This January 2010 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: Taunton, Mass. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting a touch and go landing on a 3,500-foot runway. The touchdown was normal, and the pilot pushed the carburetor knob and throttle in to instigate the “go” part of the maneuver. Instead of producing full power, the engine stumbled. The pilot opted to abort the takeoff but didn’t have sufficient runway to bring the airplane to a stop. The plane went off the end of the runway.
A witness said he saw the airplane level off at the first one-third point and continue down the runway at an altitude of 15 feet and estimated 70 knots. According to the witness, the airplane touched down again on the last quarter of the runway and he heard tires squealing.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to obtain the proper touchdown point during landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: ERA10CA124
