N45949

On August 25, 1996, about 1940 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N45949, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during the initial takeoff climb. The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. No flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

During a telephone interview with the pilot, he reported the following:

He departed the Kamp Airport, Durhamville, New York destined for a private turf runway in Rome, New York. This was his first time operating at Rome. The pilot landed in Rome, and he planned to return to Durhamville. He performed a short field takeoff with 10 degrees of flaps, and applied brakes while he added full power. As the airplane became airborne, he heard the stall warning horn and observed small trees at the departure end of the runway. He attempted to pull back on the yoke to climb over the trees; however, the airplane stalled and the left wing contacted the ground. It was reported to the pilot that the length of the runway was approximately 1,400 feet; However, the pilot estimated the length was shorter and stated that he should have used a longer runway.

The pilot had a total flight time of approximately 112 hours, and he received his private pilot certificate in March, 1996.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures nor did the pilot report any.