CHI95LA190

The pilot reported that he departed to the north because 400 feet more runway was available. He became airborne approximately 1,500 feet down the grass runway and realized he 'wasn't going to clear trees.' He aborted the takeoff and applied brakes. He said that after braking for 400 feet, the right brake failed and the airplane veered to the left and 'ground looped.' The right landing gear collapsed and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The federal aviation administration (FAA) inspector who examined the wreckage reported that the airplane was at maximum gross weight and departed the end of the runway. The right brake could not be functionally tested because the lines were destroyed when the right landing gear strut collapsed. He reported that two skid marks were visible, on the runway surface, starting about 350 feet prior to the departure end and no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction was discovered.

On June 21, 1995, at 0830 central daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N45200, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the terrain following an aborted takeoff in Bovey, Minnesota. The private pilot reported no injuries. The personal flight, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, originated in Bovey, Minnesota about 0830 with a planned destination of Pinecreek, Minnesota. A VFR flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that he elected to depart to the north because 400 feet more runway is available. He reported the winds were light and variable. He became airborne approximately 1,500 feet down the grass runway and realized he "wasn't going to clear trees." He aborted the takeoff and applied brakes. After braking for 400 feet, the right brake failed and the airplane veered to the left and "ground looped." The right landing gear collapsed and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector who examined the wreckage reported that the airplane was at maximum gross weight and departed the end of the runway. The right brake could not be functionally tested because the lines were destroyed when the right landing gear strut collapsed. He reported that two skid marks were visible, on the runway surface, starting about 350 feet prior to the departure end and no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction was discovered.

The Cessna 150 owners manual specifies a takeoff distance of 928 feet for a maximum gross weight airplane with flaps retracted, on a dry grass runway at standard temperature and 1250 foot pressure altitude with no wind. The distance to clear a 50 foot obstacle, under the same conditions, is 1628 feet. The manual does not incorporate corrections for tailwind conditions.

The landing ground roll specified in the owner's manual, under the above conditions, except with flaps lowered to 40 degrees, is 678 feet.