# NTSB NYC03CA193: Cessna 150M, N63600, Jetersville, VA, September 7, 2003

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 7, 2003, 09:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Jetersville, VA
- Coordinates: 37.32611, -78.071662
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3261&lon=-78.0717&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 24, 2005
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 57873
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC03CA193
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57873/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03CA193

## Probable cause

The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an overrun.  A factor was the dew on the grass.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Overrun, takeoff - aborted
  - terrain condition - grass
  - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

The pilot attempted to takeoff from a grass field that was about 1,800 feet long, with wet grass that was between 4 and 5 inches tall.  The pilot reported that the airplane would not accelerate to takeoff speed, and then elected to abort the takeoff.  He applied brakes; however, the airplane began to slide and struck trees at the end of the field.

## Factual narrative

On September 7, 2003, at 0930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N63600, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff from a grass field in Jetersville, Virginia.  The certificated private pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight.  No flight plan had been filed for the personal flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported that he landed in the field about 0900, and had previously operated from the field without any problems.  He described the field as approximately 1,800 feet in length, and covered with grass that was approximately 4 to 5 inches high.

About 0930, he initiated his takeoff.  In a written statement he said:

"...The winds were calm and the sky was clear and all conditions seemed perfect for a successful takeoff.  During the takeoff run, the liftoff speed was never attained.  A top speed of only 50 knots was reached and something seemed to hold the plane at this speed.  Once I realized that I would not be able to liftoff at this speed, I decided to abort the takeoff.  During my attempt to stop the aircraft by hard braking, the tires were sliding on the grass which was still wet from the morning dew, and I was unable to stop the aircraft before it slid into the trees...."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N63600](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N63600-2003-12-03), registration cancelled 2003-12-03, S/N 15077419, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 150M
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15077419
- Engines: Continental O-200-A reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Departed: NONE, Jetersville, VA
- Destination: NONE
- Airport: NONE, Private Airfield, runway 23

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 141 total, 100 in this make and model, 7 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 20030907030489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030907030489A), Sep 7, 2003: Cessna 150M, Jetersville, VA, Substantial damage. (-23) Airman attempts takeoff on a grass field, approximately 1800 feet long, on a heading of approximately 290 degrees. The grass is approximately 4 inches…

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.

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