Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ATL93LA101

LAFAYETTE, AL, USA

Aircraft #1

N6924S

CESSNA 150H

Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT HAD PLANNED TO TAKE OFF FROM A RURAL HIGHWAY FOLLOWING A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. HE WALKED THE PLANNED TAKEOFF AREA, LOOKING FOR OBSTRUCTIONS. HE OBSERVED A MILE POST SIGN, AND ESTIMATED THAT THE WING CLEARANCE WOULD BE ADEQUATE. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE RIGHT WING STRUCK THE SIGN. THE AIRCRAFT VEERED TO THE RIGHT, AND CAME TO REST AGAINST A TREE. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL

Factual Information

On May 29, 1993, at about 1855 central daylight time, a Cessna 150H, N6924S, collided with a road sign during takeoff from a state highway near Lafayette, Alabama. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was operated by Hunting Aircraft, Inc., of Peachtree City, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight originated at Falcon Field in Peachtree City at about 1300 eastern daylight time. The pilot reported the following: He had performed a precautionary landing on a state highway because his passenger had experienced dizziness and anxiety in flight. After landing, they spent the afternoon with a local resident. The pilot had planned to return the aircraft to Peachtree City alone, however the passenger insisted on accompanying him. He inspected the area of the intended takeoff and took into account all obstructions and distances of obstructions in the area. He observed a mile marker sign on the side of the road, and perceived that the wing clearance would be adequate. During the initial takeoff run, the right wing of the aircraft collided with the mile marker sign on the right side of the road. The aircraft veered off of the road, and came to a stop against a tree.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE MILE MARKER SIGN DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. A FACTOR WAS THE SIGN ADJACENT TO THE HIGHWAY

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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