23 Jul 2015: CESSNA 150M M — Heartland Fliers, LLC

23 Jul 2015: CESSNA 150M M — Heartland Fliers, LLC

No fatalities • Apopka, FL, United States

Probable cause

Following a bird strike during takeoff, the pilot's decision to land without sufficient runway remaining to safely stop the airplane, which resulted in an over-run, collision with terrain, and nose over.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

During the takeoff following a touch-and-go landing, a flight of birds flew in front of the airplane and caused a bird strike on the ride side of the airplane. The pilot aborted the takeoff, landed on the runway, and was unable to stop as he reported there was "no runway distance for safe landing." The airplane departed the end of the runway, impacted terrain, and nosed over. The airplane sustained minor damage from the bird strike, and substantial damage to the fuselage and to the empennage during the accident.

The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Surface speed/braking — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 270/08kt, vis 10sm

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