N7772E

Substantial
None

Cessna 150S/N: 17572

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI07CA139
Location
English, IN
Event ID
20070606X00685
Coordinates
38.324443, -86.495834
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning due to his decision to takeoff downwind, and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate clearance from the power line. Contributing factors to the accident were the power line and the trees.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N7772E
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17572
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1959
Model / ICAO
150C150
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
PIPER SERVICES CORP
Address
PO BOX 275
Status
Deregistered
City
MARENGO
State / Zip Code
IN 47140-0275
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane was substantially damaged when it struck a power line and collided with trees following takeoff from a private grass field. The pilot attempted to takeoff to the north. He stated that after lifting off approximately half way down the field (1200 feet by 40 feet, turf), the airplane encountered a tailwind and he felt that he did not have enough engine power to out climb the approaching power line. The tail wheel snagged the power line and the airplane subsequently impacted a group of trees. The pilot noted that there were no malfunctions associated with the aircraft prior to the accident. He added that "the engine appeared to be running normally and producing normal power." Wind conditions reported in the vicinity of the accident site were from 220 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI07CA139