Aviation Accident Summary CHI94LA229

WATERSMEET, MI, USA

Aircraft #1

N6579G

CESSNA 150

Analysis

THE PILOT STATES THAT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, HE OBSERVED THE SKY TO BE CLEAR, VISIBILITY WAS GOOD, AND THERE WAS ALMOST NO WIND. HE DID OBSERVE FOR OVER TWO LAKES WHICH ARE LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY, BUT BELIEVED THAT HE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKEOFF, CLIMB, AND REMAIN CLEAR OF THE EFFECTED AREA. IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRPLANE ENTERED THE FOG, WHICH HAD ROLLED OVER THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE ENTERED INTO A DESCENDING LEFT TURN AND IMPACTED TREES. NO PREIMPACT ABNORMALITIES WERE REPORTED.

Factual Information

On July 13, 1994, at 0645 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150, N6579G, was destroyed when it struck trees at the end of the runway after takeoff from a private airport in Watersmeet, Michigan. The commercial pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in instrument meteorological conditions without flight plan. In a written statement, the pilot reported that prior to departure he observed the sky to be clear, visibility was good, and there was almost no wind. He did however, observe fog over two lakes which are located adjacent to the runway, but he believed that he would be able to takeoff, climb, and remain clear of the effected area. Immediately after takeoff, the airplane entered the fog which had rolled over the field. At this point, the pilot states he hesitated because he was not prepared to make the transition from visual to instrument flight. During the few seconds that he hesitated, the airplane entered into a descending left turn and impacted trees. A witness reported that he observed the fog rolling over the runway as the airplane was taking off. After takeoff, he saw the airplane enter into a left turn just prior to losing sight of it in the fog. No preimpact mechanical abnormalities with the airplane were reported by the pilot.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, and his inadequate preflight planning and preparation. Factors associated with the accident were the fog and the trees.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports