N10744

On July 22, 1997, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N10744, collided with trees while attempting to takeoff from a wheat/bean field in Portland, Tennessee. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Russellville, Kentucky, about 1430.

Witnesses stated that the pilot had landed in a wheat/bean field adjacent to his place of employment to visit his co-workers. After about a one-hour visit, the pilot started the aircraft and taxied to the end of the bean field for takeoff, with several of his co-workers watching. According to his co-workers, during the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne and then touched down again. A few seconds later a witness saw the pilot pull back on the yoke and as the airplane climbed the right wing clipped a tree causing the aircraft to spin wing over wing until it disappeared into the trees.

According to the FAA Inspector on-scene, after colliding with a tree the airplane continued for about 35 feet further where it impacted the ground nose and left-wing first. The Inspector stated that the field where the takeoff was initiated was about 1400 feet long and covered with wheat/bean stubble approximately 10 inches tall. Examination of the airplane found fuel dripping from the fuel tanks. Control continuity was established for elevator and rudder, but could not be established for ailerons due to the damaged wing. Flaps were found set at 10 degrees.

The pilot and owner/operator were both sent a NTSB Form 6120.1/2 on July 24, 1997. However, neither had submitted a completed form at the time of this report.