Jetersville, VA, USA
N63600
Cessna 150M
The pilot attempted to takeoff from a grass field that was about 1,800 feet long, with wet grass that was between 4 and 5 inches tall. The pilot reported that the airplane would not accelerate to takeoff speed, and then elected to abort the takeoff. He applied brakes; however, the airplane began to slide and struck trees at the end of the field.
On September 7, 2003, at 0930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N63600, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff from a grass field in Jetersville, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. No flight plan had been filed for the personal flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that he landed in the field about 0900, and had previously operated from the field without any problems. He described the field as approximately 1,800 feet in length, and covered with grass that was approximately 4 to 5 inches high. About 0930, he initiated his takeoff. In a written statement he said: "...The winds were calm and the sky was clear and all conditions seemed perfect for a successful takeoff. During the takeoff run, the liftoff speed was never attained. A top speed of only 50 knots was reached and something seemed to hold the plane at this speed. Once I realized that I would not be able to liftoff at this speed, I decided to abort the takeoff. During my attempt to stop the aircraft by hard braking, the tires were sliding on the grass which was still wet from the morning dew, and I was unable to stop the aircraft before it slid into the trees...."
The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an overrun. A factor was the dew on the grass.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
