Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff. Factors related to the accident were the crosswind conditions and the berm which the airplane contacted.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot attempted to takeoff with a private pilot passenger from an 1800 foot by 80 foot grass strip. A 45 degree 10 knot gusting to 15 knot crosswind existed. Believing the airplane would not clear obstructions, he attempted to abort the takeoff, drifted off the runway and contacted a dirt berm. The nose wheel sheared off, and the airplane flipped over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 23, 1995, approximately 1800 central standard time, a Cessna 150, N5771G, operated by Harland Findlay of Table Rock, Nebraska, flipped over during an aborted takeoff from a farm strip in Table Rock, Nebraska, and was substantially damaged. The student pilot and private pilot passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan as filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, as a local flight. Winds were from the northeast at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots. The pilot stated that he believed he would not clear trees at the end of the north-south oriented strip, and attempted to abort the takeoff. The airplane drifted off the 1800 foot by 80 foot grass strip, hit a berm, the nose wheel snapped off, and the plane flipped over. -