This September 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 150. Injuries: None. Location: Rosedale, Mich. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The 84-year-old pilot did not hold a medical certificate. Neither he nor the airplane had flown in the three years before the accident. He attempted to take off, but noticed that the airplane did not seem to have enough power to clear trees and brush at the edge of the runway. The Cessna veered off the right side of the runway and into the brush. According to the pilot’s wife, he had suffered a fall three years before the ill-fated flight and his physical and mental capabilities were such that he should not have been trying to fly the airplane.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff ground run. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s deteriorated physical and mental capabilities.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: CEN09LA557
