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NTSB Report

August 31, 2008 · Cessna 150J · N50753

Spring Grove, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 2008
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Spring Grove, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 150J
Tail Number
N50753
Operator
Samuel F Hutchinson
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA276

The pilot reported that he taxied the two-seat Cessna 150 airplane from the hangar onto the privately owned 2,000-foot grass airstrip and departed to the north. A witness stated that he observed the airplane take off, but that it was slower than usual. The witness stated that the airplane usually gained altitude quickly after takeoff, but it seemed to nose-up and began "plowing forward" without gaining altitude. The airplane banked hard left and hit some trees. The airplane nosed over when it impacted the ground. The pilot, his son, and his 18-month-old grandson received minor injuries. The pilot reported that the engine was operating properly. The inspection of the airplane revealed no pre-existing anomalies to the airframe or engine. The pilot indicated that there were 100-foot trees north of the departure end of the runway, but that there were no obstacles to the south. The winds were from the east at about 9 knots. The local temperature was about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which produced a density altitude of about 2,914 feet. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by a "more thorough assessment of density altitude and choice of runway heading for departure."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Contributing factors were the trees and the high density altitude.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he taxied the two-seat Cessna 150 airplane from the hangar onto the privately owned 2,000-foot grass airstrip and departed to the north. A witness stated that he observed the airplane takeoff, but it was slower than usual. The witness stated that the airplane usually gained altitude quickly after takeoff, but it seemed to nose-up and began "plowing forward" without gaining altitude. The airplane banked hard left but it hit some trees. The airplane nosed over when it impacted the ground. The pilot, his son, and his 18-month-old grandson received minor injuries. The pilot reported that the engine was operating properly. The inspection of the airplane revealed no pre-existing anomalies to the airframe or engine. The pilot indicated that there were 100-foot trees north of the departure end of the runway, but there were no obstacles to the south. The winds were from the east at about 9 knots. The local temperature was about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which produced a density altitude of about 2,914 feet. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by a "more thorough assessment of density altitude and choice of runway heading for departure."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:05 CDT
Nearest AirportPillow Hill Airstrip (0nm)
Runway360
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150J
Tail NumberN50753
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSamuel F Hutchinson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data