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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 20, 2017 · Cessna 150 E · N6250T

Siler City, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Siler City, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 150 E (1964)
Tail Number
N6250T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA546

According to the pilot, during a time-building, cross-country flight, the airplane had multiple mechanical malfunctions. On the fourth leg of the flight, he departed the airport and noticed that the airplane was low on fuel. He flew to a nearby airport, landed, and added 10 gallons of fuel. After fueling, the airplane would not start, and the pilot asked maintenance personnel to jump the airplane's battery. Then, during taxi to the runway, he noticed that the "radios and other electronics" were inoperative, but he continued to the runway. During the takeoff roll, he was startled by a loud noise in his headset, which he believed came from the airplane's communication radio. He attempted to assess the problem during the takeoff roll, and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway into the safety area. After regaining control, he taxied back to the approach end of the runway. He performed a flight control check and an engine power check and departed the airport. The pilot reported that he then landed at a nontowered airport "to check out the aircraft." He performed another flight control check and an engine run-up but did not exit the airplane "because of the starting issue." The pilot then departed for the destination airport. He reported that he landed the airplane and taxied to parking. He recalled that he performed a postflight check of the airplane, but "other than grass and grass stains [he] did not see any damage." Later that evening, the airplane's owner informed the pilot that the left wing was damaged. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar and aileron.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off with known electrical issues, which distracted him and led to a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, during a time building cross-country flight, the airplane had multiple mechanical malfunctions. On the fourth leg of the flight, he departed the airport and noticed that the airplane was low on fuel. He flew to a nearby airport, landed, and added 10 gallons of fuel. After fueling, the airplane would not start, and he asked a maintenance shop to jump the airplane's battery. Then, during taxi to the runway, he noticed that the "radios and other electronics" were inoperative, but he continued to the runway. During the takeoff roll, he was startled by a loud noise in his headset, which he believed came from the airplane's communication radio. He attempted to assess the problem during the takeoff roll and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway into the safety area. After regaining control, he taxied back to the approach end of the runway. He performed a flight control check and an engine power check and departed the airport. The pilot reported that he then landed at a non-towered airport "to check out the aircraft". He performed another flight control check and an engine run-up but did not exit the airplane "because of the starting issue." The pilot then departed for the destination airport. He reported that he landed the airplane and taxied to parking. He recalled that he performed a post-flight check of the airplane, but "other than grass and grass stains [he] did not see any damage". Later that evening, the owner of the airplane informed the pilot that the left wing was damaged. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar and aileron.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSiler City Muni (0nm SE)
Runway04
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150 E
Tail NumberN6250T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-200 SERIES · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data