On August 25, 2007, a Cessna 150G (registration N2981S) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive flap setting during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot aborted the takeoff of a float-equipped airplane from a municipal lake after inadequate acceleration. The airplane traveled onshore and nosed over. The pilot reported left float water ingress and inadvertently leaving flaps extended.
Incident Details
A private pilot was conducting a takeoff in a float-equipped airplane from a municipal float plane lake. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the airplane did not accelerate as fast as normal, and once on step, it did not accelerate as anticipated. The pilot subsequently aborted the takeoff, but the airplane was unable to stop within the remaining length of the lake. The pilot elected to direct the airplane head-on into the bank rather than execute a turn. The airplane traveled 20 to 30 feet onshore before nosing over.
Pilot's Account
After exiting the inverted airplane, the pilot observed that the left float was draining what he considered an excessive amount of water. The pilot stated that he had pumped the floats prior to departure but believed a leaking gasket may have allowed water to fill the left float during the pretakeoff water taxi.
Investigation
An FAA air safety inspector interviewed the pilot, who reported that he had inadvertently left the flaps in the 40-degree extended position during the takeoff roll. The airplane was not examined by the NTSB.