NTSB Factual Report

On June 18, 2001, at 1730 central daylight time, a Cessna 150 single-engine airplane, N2898S, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain during takeoff/initial climb from a private grass airstrip near Denham Springs, Louisiana. The private pilot, who was the registered owner and operator of the airplane, and his passenger, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Carthage, Mississippi.

During a telephone interview conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that he departed the grass runway toward the east. At the departure end of the 3,100-foot runway were trees and a residential area. The pilot stated that after takeoff, the airplane was unable to clear the trees. A witness, who was located on the airport, stated that the airplane used at least 1,500 feet of the runway without the nose wheel coming off the ground. The witness mentioned that he thought the airplane would hit the trees at the end of the runway. Another witness, who was driving on a road near the residential area, observed the airplane impact the trees with the left wing and subsequently impact the road.

The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, found the flaps in the fully extended position. When questioned by the FAA inspector, the pilot stated that he did not recall taking off with the flaps extended, but thought that his passenger may have bumped the flap handle during the impact sequence or when they exited the airplane. The owner of the airport reported to the FAA inspector that he told the pilot not to takeoff to the east because the runway sloped up in that direction, there were trees located on the departure end, and there was a residential area that he did not want to disturb. The pilot elected to takeoff to the east because of the winds, which he reported to be from 060 degrees at 8-10 knots. The pilot also stated that he may have been "slightly over maximum gross weight during the takeoff."

Review of photographs taken by the FAA inspector revealed that the airplane's empennage was buckled and partially separated, the left and right wings sustained leading edge impact damage, and the propeller and cowling were damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and decision making, which resulted in the airplane's performance being exceeded during the takeoff initial climb. A contributing factor was the rising terrain.