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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 13, 1994 · Cessna 150 · N6579G

Watersmeet, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 1994
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Watersmeet, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Tail Number
N6579G
Operator
Instit for Basic Life Prin
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI94LA229

THE PILOT STATES THAT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, HE OBSERVED THE SKY TO BE CLEAR, VISIBILITY WAS GOOD, AND THERE WAS ALMOST NO WIND. HE DID OBSERVE FOR OVER TWO LAKES WHICH ARE LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY, BUT BELIEVED THAT HE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKEOFF, CLIMB, AND REMAIN CLEAR OF THE EFFECTED AREA. IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRPLANE ENTERED THE FOG, WHICH HAD ROLLED OVER THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE ENTERED INTO A DESCENDING LEFT TURN AND IMPACTED TREES. NO PREIMPACT ABNORMALITIES WERE REPORTED.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, and his inadequate preflight planning and preparation. Factors associated with the accident were the fog and the trees.

Full Narrative

On July 13, 1994, at 0645 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150, N6579G, was destroyed when it struck trees at the end of the runway after takeoff from a private airport in Watersmeet, Michigan. The commercial pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in instrument meteorological conditions without flight plan. In a written statement, the pilot reported that prior to departure he observed the sky to be clear, visibility was good, and there was almost no wind. He did however, observe fog over two lakes which are located adjacent to the runway, but he believed that he would be able to takeoff, climb, and remain clear of the effected area. Immediately after takeoff, the airplane entered the fog which had rolled over the field. At this point, the pilot states he hesitated because he was not prepared to make the transition from visual to instrument flight. During the few seconds that he hesitated, the airplane entered into a descending left turn and impacted trees. A witness reported that he observed the fog rolling over the runway as the airplane was taking off. After takeoff, he saw the airplane enter into a left turn just prior to losing sight of it in the fog. No preimpact mechanical abnormalities with the airplane were reported by the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:45 CDT
Nearest AirportNorthwoods Conference Ctr (1nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150
Tail NumberN6579G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorInstit for Basic Life Prin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind90°
Visibility0.5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 28 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data