Belen, NM, USA
N6595L
Cessna 152
The pilot reported that during the initial takeoff climb, approximately 200 feet agl, the engine "lost power," and the airplane experienced an excessive sink rate. The pilot attempted to land the airplane on the remaining 2,000 to 3,000 feet of the runway; however, the airplane exited the end of the runway and struck a fence. Witnesses reported that the airplane took off from the 6,601-foot runway after a 3,400-foot ground roll with a 20-knot quartering tailwind. One witness stated that the engine was operating "under full power after it had touched down." The fuel tanks, which were topped off prior to departure, were sumped, and the fuel samples were found to be clear of contaminants. The engine was then started and run at various power settings for 5 minutes with no anomalies noted. The calculated density altitude at the airport at the time of the accident was approximately 8,000 feet.
On March 27, 2002, approximately 1545 mountain standard time, a Cessna 152 single-engine airplane, N6595L, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff/initial climb from the Alexander Municipal Airport, Belen, New Mexico. The instrument-rated private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by Aircraft Exchange, Carlsbad, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cross-country flight from Jenks, Oklahoma, to Van Nuys, California. This leg of the flight was originating at the time of the accident and destined for Winslow, Arizona. In a written statement, the pilot reported that during the initial takeoff climb, approximately 200 feet agl, the engine "lost power," and the airplane experienced an excessive sink rate. The pilot attempted to land the airplane on the remaining 2,000 to 3,000 feet of the runway; however, the airplane exited the end of the runway and struck a fence. Witnesses reported that the airplane took off after a 3,400-foot ground roll with a 20-knot quartering tailwind. One witness stated that the engine was operating "under full power after it had touched down." According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the pilot stopped in Belen for lunch and fuel. After the fuel tanks were topped off, the pilot started the airplane, performed an engine run-up, and taxied to runway 21 for takeoff. Runway 21 is 6,601 feet in length. The inspector estimated that the airplane rolled approximately 1,000 feet after the initial touchdown before coming to rest. He found no evidence of skid marks on the runway or ground, and the flaps were in the retracted position. The propeller and spinner displayed circular scratches, and the horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. In addition, the inspector calculated a density altitude at the airport at the time of the accident of approximately 8,000 feet. The FAA inspector and an A&P mechanic stated that the airplane was towed to a ramp, fuel samples were obtained and found to be clear of contaminants. The engine was then started and run at various power settings for 5 minutes with no anomalies noted. Attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot and operator were unsuccessful.
the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with a fence. Contributing factors were the tailwind, high density altitude, and the pilot's selection of a downwind runway for takeoff.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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