Accident Overview
On June 2, 2017, at about 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150M, registration N66117, was substantially damaged when it struck terrain shortly after takeoff from Banning Municipal Airport (BNG), Banning, California. The flight instructor sustained fatal injuries, and the student pilot suffered serious injuries. The aircraft was registered to Aerotech Academy Inc. and operated under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed. The instructional flight originated from Redlands Municipal Airport (REI), Redlands, California, at about 1045.
Pilot Information
The flight instructor, aged 87, held an airline transport pilot certificate with single- and multi-engine land ratings and a flight instructor certificate with corresponding ratings. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate, issued January 9, 2017, required corrective lenses. He reported 25,000 total flight hours, with 80 hours in the preceding six months. His logbook was not located.
The student pilot, aged 52, was pursuing a private pilot certificate. His FAA medical certificate, issued March 13, 2017, required glasses for near vision. His total flight time was not available.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna 150M, serial number 15075848, had a total airframe time of 7,711.5 hours at the last annual inspection on January 12, 2017. The Continental Motors O-200-A engine (serial number 213969-71A) had a total time of 7,719.3 hours and 1,273.2 hours since major overhaul. Total airframe time before the accident was 7,739.7 hours. The student reported that the airplane was fueled to capacity before departure.
Meteorological Conditions
At 1114, a remote station at Cabazon, about 2 miles east of BNG, reported wind from 109° at 17 mph gusting to 23 mph. Another station at Beaumont, about 5 miles west, reported wind from 118° at 15 mph gusting to 21 mph. At 1135, Big Bear City Airport (20 miles north) reported wind from 050° at 8 knots gusting to 20 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 19°C, dew point -1°C, altimeter 30.18 inHg. BNG's AWOS at 1040 recorded wind from 070° at 17 knots gusting to 22 knots; data nearer the accident time was not obtained. Density altitude was calculated at 8,500 ft.
Airport Information
Banning Municipal Airport has an elevation of 2,222 ft msl and a single runway 8/26 measuring 4,955 by 100 ft. Runway 26 has a 2.4 percent uphill gradient. A right traffic pattern was recommended for runway 26. The airport had no control tower.
Flight Narrative
According to the student pilot, they conducted airwork at 4,000 ft after departing REI. The instructor then directed a return to BNG for a touch-and-go landing. They entered a right traffic pattern for runway 26 and landed hard. Despite gusting wind, they continued the takeoff. After takeoff, the airplane drifted right of the centerline; the student relinquished control to the instructor. The student's last memory was impacting trees along the parallel freeway.
A witness observed the airplane on a low approach, performing a touch-and-go. After departure, at about 100 ft agl, the airplane began losing altitude, wings wobbled, then impacted trees near railroad tracks northwest of the airport. Another witness saw the airplane climb to about 100 ft agl, then descend nose-high. It settled at 40 ft agl without gaining altitude. After crossing the departure end, it turned northwest, wings wobbled, pitched up to avoid a train, then impacted trees in a 90° right bank. This witness stated that training prevented hearing engine power and that there was sufficient runway to abort.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane came to rest on its left side between trees and an eastbound freeway onramp. The left wing was partially attached; both wings and the left horizontal stabilizer had leading edge damage. The fuselage was distorted, the aft fuselage partially separated near the cabin. One propeller blade had impact damage; the opposite blade was unremarkable. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were found.
Medical and Pathological Information
The flight instructor was hospitalized for 4 days before succumbing to his injuries. An autopsy determined the cause of death as blunt impact injuries to the head. Toxicology tests for alcohol and drugs were negative.
Performance Calculations
Using the airplane's Owner's Manual performance charts, at maximum gross weight (1,600 lbs), temperature 0°C, pressure altitude 7,500 ft, no headwind, ground roll for takeoff was 1,360 ft, and 2,440 ft to clear a 50-ft obstacle. Landing ground roll with no wind was 520 ft. Maximum rate of climb at 5,000 ft pressure altitude and 5°C was about 470 fpm; at 10,000 ft and -5°C, about 260 fpm.
Additional Information on High Density Altitude
FAA Pamphlet FAA-P-8740-2 outlines hazards: reduced air density adversely affects performance, decreases engine horsepower, increases takeoff distance, reduces climb rate. At above 5,000 ft density altitude, leaning is essential for maximum power. The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook notes that under high density altitude, an airplane may become airborne at insufficient speed but fail to climb out of ground effect. The FAA Pilot's Operating Handbook states that reduced drag in ground effect may allow takeoff below recommended speed, but climbing out of ground effect with speed deficiency results in marginal climb.