# NTSB ATL97LA110: Cessna 150L, N10744, Portland, TN, July 22, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 22, 1997, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: Portland, TN - Coordinates: 36.580482, -86.50978 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5805&lon=-86.5098&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report January 7, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3881 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA110 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3881/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA110 ## Probable cause The pilot's attempt to perform a short field takeoff in unsuitable terrain. A related factor was the pilot's desire to impress his co-workers. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause) - soft field takeoff/procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause) - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis Witnesses stated that the pilot had landed in a wheat/bean field adjacent to his place of employment to visit his co-workers. After about a one-hour visit, the pilot started the aircraft and taxied to the end of the bean field for takeoff, with several of his co-workers watching. According to his co-workers, during the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne and then touched down again. A few seconds later a witness saw the pilot pull back on the yoke and as the airplane climbed the right wing clipped a tree causing the aircraft to spin wing over wing until it disappeared into the trees. ## Factual narrative On July 22, 1997, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N10744, collided with trees while attempting to takeoff from a wheat/bean field in Portland, Tennessee. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Russellville, Kentucky, about 1430. Witnesses stated that the pilot had landed in a wheat/bean field adjacent to his place of employment to visit his co-workers. After about a one-hour visit, the pilot started the aircraft and taxied to the end of the bean field for takeoff, with several of his co-workers watching. According to his co-workers, during the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne and then touched down again. A few seconds later a witness saw the pilot pull back on the yoke and as the airplane climbed the right wing clipped a tree causing the aircraft to spin wing over wing until it disappeared into the trees. According to the FAA Inspector on-scene, after colliding with a tree the airplane continued for about 35 feet further where it impacted the ground nose and left-wing first. The Inspector stated that the field where the takeoff was initiated was about 1400 feet long and covered with wheat/bean stubble approximately 10 inches tall. Examination of the airplane found fuel dripping from the fuel tanks. Control continuity was established for elevator and rudder, but could not be established for ailerons due to the damaged wing. Flaps were found set at 10 degrees. The pilot and owner/operator were both sent a NTSB Form 6120.1/2 on July 24, 1997. However, neither had submitted a completed form at the time of this report. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N10744](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N10744-1998-04-14), registration cancelled 1998-04-14, S/N 15075001 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 150L - Registry model: [Cessna 150L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150l) (registry code 2071826) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15075001 - Engines: Continental O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Steve Wilson - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Destination: 4M7, RUSSELLVILLE, KY - Airport: 1M5, Portland Municipal ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 130° at 4 knots - Visibility: 6 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: KBW, 3 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19970722019459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970722019459A), Jul 22, 1997: Cessna 150L, Portland, TN, Substantial damage. Landed in 1400 ft bean field to visit. During climbout struck trees. (-23) pilot landed without permission of landowner in a harvested wheat field with wheat… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.