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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

August 25, 1996 · Cessna 152 · N45949

Rome, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 25, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rome, NY
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N45949
Operator
John F Palmer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA177

As the airplane was rotated for takeoff, the pilot heard the stall warning horn sound. He then observing trees at the departure end of the runway. The pilot attempted to raise the nose to climb over the trees; however, the airplane stalled, and the left wing contacted the ground. The pilot did not report any malfunctions with the airplane; he stated that he should have used a longer runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off on a runway of insufficient length, and his failure to obtain adequate airspeed.

Full Narrative

On August 25, 1996, about 1940 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N45949, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during the initial takeoff climb. The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. No flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. During a telephone interview with the pilot, he reported the following: He departed the Kamp Airport, Durhamville, New York destined for a private turf runway in Rome, New York. This was his first time operating at Rome. The pilot landed in Rome, and he planned to return to Durhamville. He performed a short field takeoff with 10 degrees of flaps, and applied brakes while he added full power. As the airplane became airborne, he heard the stall warning horn and observed small trees at the departure end of the runway. He attempted to pull back on the yoke to climb over the trees; however, the airplane stalled and the left wing contacted the ground. It was reported to the pilot that the length of the runway was approximately 1,400 feet; However, the pilot estimated the length was shorter and stated that he should have used a longer runway. The pilot had a total flight time of approximately 112 hours, and he received his private pilot certificate in March, 1996. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures nor did the pilot report any.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:40 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway27
Runway Length1400 ft
Runway Width110 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN45949
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn F Palmer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-255-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 5 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data