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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 5, 2011 · Cessna 150M · N9416U

Ridgeway, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Ridgeway, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 150M
Tail Number
N9416U
Operator
Davis Robert L
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA377

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and his student completed the preflight inspection and engine run up. The airplane became airborne about 1/3 way down the runway, climbed slowly and collided with trees at the departure end of the runway. The airplane descended, impacted the ground and came to rest inverted. A postaccident examination revealed the airplane was at or slightly over the maximum takeoff weight, and the flaps were set at 10-degrees. According to the airplane's pilot operating handbook, the best rate of climb with no obstacles should be performed with zero flaps. The CFI reported that there were no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to takeoff using a flap setting higher than the manufacturer's recommended setting for takeoff.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor, he and the private pilot under instruction filled the fuel tanks, performed a preflight inspection, taxied to the runway and completed an engine run up. They began the takeoff roll, with the flaps set at 10 degrees, from the 3,000-foot-long,up-sloped, turf runway and the airplane became airborne about one-third down the runway. The airplane climbed slowly and the flight instructor realized that it would not be able to clear the trees at the end of the runway. The private pilot applied the left rudder in order to turn the airplane and stay clear of the trees, but soon the instructor took the flight controls because he realized that the airplane was going to impact the trees. The airplane struck the trees approximately 20 feet from the tops, impacted the ground, and came to rest inverted. During the accident sequence, the fuselage, wings, and empennage were substantially damaged. The flight instructor reported there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane. Weight and balance calculations revealed that the airplane was at or slightly over the maximum takeoff weight provided by manufacturer. Also, the owner's manual stated that the best rate of climb was with flaps up and that the "use of 10 degrees of flaps is reserved for minimum ground runs or for take-off from soft or rough fields with no obstacles ahead."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:20 EDT
Nearest AirportPace Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150M
Tail NumberN9416U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavis Robert L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-200 SERIES · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 29 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time16:22
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data