Accident Overview
On August 12, 2009, at 0815 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150H, registration N6676S, operated by Royal Flying Club LLC, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain following a takeoff from Sussex Airport (FWN), Sussex, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot and a passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, following the takeoff, the airplane would not gain altitude and started clipping the tops of trees beyond the end of the runway. The pilot pulled back on the yoke and stalled the airplane. The airplane collided with an embankment and came to rest in a creek.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and investigators from Teledyne Continental Motors and Cessna Aircraft Company, found that the airplane had come to rest in the creek in a near-vertical, nose-down attitude, substantially damaging the engine, cockpit, wings, empennage and stabilizers.
Engine and Airframe Inspection
Examination of the engine was performed by the Continental representative under FAA supervision. The inspection of the engine did not reveal any abnormalities that would have precluded normal operation and production of rated horsepower. Examination of the airframe was performed by the Cessna representative under FAA supervision. The inspection of the airframe and flight control system components showed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Weight and Balance
A weight and balance calculation was performed using the airplane’s most recent weight and balance found in the logbooks (09/23/2000). According to the calculations, the airplane would have been 24 pounds over gross weight with a center of gravity outside the forward envelope. For the calculations, it was estimated that there were 10 pounds of baggage in the number 1 baggage area based on articles found at the crash site.
Pilot Experience
The pilot reported 255 hours of total flight time with 138 hours in airplane make and model.
Weather Conditions
The recorded weather at FWN, at 0753, included variable winds; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 21 degrees C; dew point 19 degrees C; and an altimeter setting of 29.96 inches Hg.