Summary
On August 14, 2010, a Cessna 150A (N7023X) was involved in an accident near West Liberty, KY. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's premature turn toward trees during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's high gross weight and density altitude that precluded a normal takeoff and climb.
According to the pilot, he filled the airplane with 26 gallons of fuel before the accident flight. The pilot performed a preflight, and then he and the passenger got into the airplane and taxied to the runway. He set the flaps at 10 degrees before he departed from runway 25. After the airplane was in the air, the pilot began turning 30 degrees to the left when he noticed the airplane was not going to clear the trees. The pilot stated that he heard the stall warning horn before the airplane hit the trees. The airplane fell to the ground, and came to rest inverted causing substantial damage. In his statement, the pilot commented that he “made a poor decision due to weight and very hot conditions.” The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA10CA420. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7023X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's premature turn toward trees during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's high gross weight and density altitude that precluded a normal takeoff and climb.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the pilot, he filled the airplane with 26 gallons of fuel before the accident flight. The pilot performed a preflight, and then he and the passenger got into the airplane and taxied to the runway. He set the flaps at 10 degrees before he departed from runway 25. After the airplane was in the air, the pilot began turning 30 degrees to the left when he noticed the airplane was not going to clear the trees. The pilot stated that he heard the stall warning horn before the airplane hit the trees. The airplane fell to the ground, and came to rest inverted causing substantial damage. In his statement, the pilot commented that he “made a poor decision due to weight and very hot conditions.” The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane. Winds, recorded at an airport 19 miles to the south about the time of the accident, were calm.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA420