Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150M near Ridgeway, VA — 2011-07-05

Final reportERA11CA377
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Date
2011-07-05
Location
Ridgeway, VA, USA
Airport
VA02
Aircraft
CESSNA 150M
Registration
N9416U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

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.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Not using flaps up for takeoff from a runway with obstacles ahead.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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