The pilot reported that he applied power for night time takeoff and lifted off the runway in Ellijay, Georgia. The Cessna 150 reached a height about 5 feet above the ground. The pilot reported 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 10-foot high embankment, hitting 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.
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 Identification: GAA15CA216
This August 2015 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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Paul says
August 7, 2017 at 9:48 amNon-instrumented rated presumably for what amounted to an IFR departure i.e. no visible horizon? Should have stayed on the ground or taken off when there was still some ambient lighting available and worked into complete darkness. Going straight to an end point in flight test is a no-no and almost certainly guarantees a big surprise for which there is a lack of preparation.
Bartr says
August 7, 2017 at 7:14 amThis crash was caused by panic not a lack of airspeed.