NTSB Factual Report

On January 19, 2003, at 1700 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150F, N8555G, was substantially damaged while attempting to takeoff from a field near Crestline, Ohio. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, the flight had departed from the Beach City Airport, Beach City, Ohio, about 1250, destined for the Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport (MFD), Mansfield, Ohio. After a 2 hour flight, the engine lost total power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a plowed snow covered farm field, about 9 miles east of MFD. The pilot proceeded by ground transportation to MFD, where he purchased fuel. Upon returning to the airplane, the pilot added the fuel to the left and right wing tanks, and a mechanic inspected the airplane. The pilot then elected to attempt a takeoff from the field. During the takeoff roll, the left wing struck a tree, and the takeoff was aborted.

Review of a videotape, taken by an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer, the airplane was positioned on a snow-covered field with the engine running. The field also had high windrows and tall grass. Engine power was then applied, and the airplane began its takeoff roll. As the airplane proceeded away from the camera, it neared a tree line, and veered right. A large white cloud was then observed, and the airplane disappeared from the sight of the camera. The officer drove towards the white cloud, and observed the airplane at rest, with its occupants walking around the fuselage. Also noted on the video was a lone small tree growing in the field.

Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed substantial damage to the left wing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to takeoff from unsuitable terrain. A factor related to the accident was the plowed, snow covered field.