Primary finding
Probable cause
were the premature lift-off, and the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was attempting a takeoff from a soft field about one mile south of the Independence Memorial Airport, Independence, Missouri. During the takeoff attempt, the right main landing gear and right wing struck the ground after lift-off. The airplane then spun around and slid into the river. The previous day the airplane had experienced a loss of engine power and the pilot had made a forced landing in the field without damage to the airplane. The number 1 cylinder was changed in the field, and the pilot was attempting to fly the airplane out when the accident occurred.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 17, 1994, at 1800 central standard time, a Cessna 150M, N9396A, sustained substantial damage during an attempted off-airport takeoff from a field one mile south of the Independence Memorial Airport, Independence, Missouri. The commercial pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The previous day, the engine had a loss of power after takeoff, and the pilot made a forced landing in the field south of the airport without damage to the airplane. The number 1 cylinder was replaced with the airplane still in the field. The pilot was attempting to fly the airplane out of the field when the accident occurred. A witness stated the right main landing gear and the right wing contacted the ground, after lift-off, during the takeoff attempt. The airplane then rotated 180 degrees and slid into the river. -