On 5 Aug 2015, a CESSNA 150M operated by HENDERSON AVIATION was involved in an aviation accident near Ellijay, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night takeoff, the pilot lost visual reference after reaching 5 feet, leading to a hard bounce, veer off runway, and a rollover down an embankment. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; no mechanical issues were reported.
Accident Overview
The pilot reported that during a night takeoff, he applied power and lifted off the runway. The airplane reached a height of about 5 feet above the ground when the pilot stated he could not see the runway lights and felt he was in a black hole. Subsequently, the airplane descended to the runway and bounced hard. Despite the pilot's efforts 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.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedClimb rate — Not attained/maintained