CHI93LA279

The pilot reported he was attempting to takeoff with one adult passenger aboard from a private, 1,800' turf strip. He said he saw full-rated power on the engine tachometer, and lifted off about mid-field. He then lowered the nose to gain additional airspeed. He said the airplane did not seem to accelerate properly, and he realized he would not clear approaching obstructions (trees). He attempted to turn right, away from the trees, but the right wing tip struck the ground and the airplane crashed. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical difficulties with the airplane.

On July 24, 1993, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M airplane, N66155, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff from Hitchcock Field, Bridgman, Michigan. The private pilot and sole passenger aboard were not injured. The flight operated in visual meteorological conditions under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported he was attempting to takeoff from runway 22, an 1,800' turf strip. He estimated the wind was from approximately 165 degrees at 3-5 knots. The pilot's Pilot/Operator Accident Report states, in part: "I proceeded to far end of runway (NE) for run-up ...then proceeded to take-off under full power. Rotation was achieved prior to mid-field intersection, with lift-off at intersection. Nose was levelled to accumulate more speed. Aircraft was approx. 4-6 feet agl, minimal additional speed was achieved over next 6-8 seconds. During this period, threshold was already getting close, with row of bushes and saplings displaced approx. 15-20 beyond threshold. These ranged in height from approx. 8-20 feet... . With airspeed at around 55 I determined aircraft could neither land straight-on nor clear this varied height obstacles. As I attempted to utilize the "dog-leg right" rough field, the right wing dropped/hit from lack of sufficient power to adjust."

The pilot claimed no mechanical failure or malfunction in his report to the NTSB.

A telephone interview was conducted with the pilot on September 20, 1993. The pilot recounted the airplane felt sluggish in accelerating, but was developing maximum RPM of 2700. He said the throttle was pushed all the way forward, but stopped approximately one to one and one-half inches from the panel.