5 Aug 2015: CESSNA 150M — HENDERSON AVIATION

5 Aug 2015: CESSNA 150M — HENDERSON AVIATION

No fatalities • Ellijay, GA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain and maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff which resulted in a descent, loss of directional control, and a runway excursion.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that he applied power for night time takeoff and lifted off the runway. The airplane reached a height about 5 feet above the ground, and the pilot stated he could not see the runway lights and felt he was in a black hole. The airplane descended to the runway and bounced hard. Despite efforts from the pilot to control the airplane, it veered left, exited the runway, and went down an eight to ten foot high embankment impacting terrain. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Airspeed — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Climb rate — Not attained/maintained
  • Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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