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NTSB Report

June 2, 2003 · Cessna 152 · N68778

Owensville, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 2, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Owensville, MO
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N68778
Operator
St Charles Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA158

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a fence and a ditch after overrunning the runway on takeoff. The pilot reported he taxied the airplane onto the runway centerline and applied full power to the airplane's engine while holding the brakes. The pilot noted he released the brakes and the airplane began to roll. The pilot stated the airplane would not lift-off before 1/2 to 3/4 of the runway was used. The pilot reported he decided to execute an aborted takeoff and reduced engine power to idle and applied brakes. The pilot noted the airplane overran the end of the runway where it impacted a barbwire fence and a ditch. The pilot reported the airplane's loaded weight and center of gravity were within the performance limitations of the airplane at the time of the accident flight. The airplane's weight and balance was calculated using information obtained from data given by the pilot and the airplane was found to be within performance limitations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots delayed attempt to perform an aborted takeoff and subsequent overrun. Contributing factors to the accident were the fence and the ditch.

Full Narrative

On June 1, 2003, about 1900 central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N68778, operated by St. Charles Flying Service as a rental airplane, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff when it departed the end of runway 9 (1,800 feet by 100 feet, turf) and impacted a fence at Winter Field Airport, Owensville, Missouri. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The private pilot and his passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with an intended destination of St. Charles Municipal Airport (3SQ), St. Charles, Missouri. The pilot reported he taxied the airplane onto the runway centerline and applied full power to the airplane's engine while holding the brakes. The pilot noted he released the brakes and the airplane began to roll. The pilot stated, "Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 the runway was used and the decision was made that the airplane would not lift-off and climb." The pilot reported he reduced engine power to idle and applied brakes. The pilot noted the airplane had not stopped by the end of the runway and impacted a barbwire fence and a ditch. The pilot reported he performed a weight and balance calculation and a takeoff performance calculation prior to takeoff on the accident flight. The pilot noted the airplane's loaded weight and center of gravity were within the performance limitations of the airplane. The pilot stated he used 10 degrees of flaps on takeoff and calculated his takeoff distance to be 950 feet. The airplanes weight and balance was calculated using information obtained from the pilot. The airplane's empty weight was reported as 1,155 pounds with a moment-arm of 29.6 inches. The pilot indicated his weight as 220 pounds and his passengers weight as 180 pounds. The pilot noted the airplane contained 14 gallons, or 84 pounds, of fuel. The airplane's total weight at the time of the accident flight was calculated to be 1,639 pounds with a moment of 53,618 inches per pound. The center of gravity was calculated to be 32.7 inches aft of the datum line. The maximum certificated gross weight for the airplane was 1,670 pounds. The forward center of gravity limitation was 31.0 inches aft of the datum line and the aft center of gravity limitation was 36.5 inches aft of the datum line. The airplane's takeoff performance was calculated using the pilots operating handbook. The ground roll distance for takeoff was calculated to be about 825 feet and the take-off distance over a 50-foot obstacle was calculated to be 1,530 feet with a temperature of 19 degrees Celsius and a pressure altitude of 898 feet. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane or the airplane's engine prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CDT
Nearest AirportWinter Field Airport (0nm N)
Runway09
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN68778
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSt Charles Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 19 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 52
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data