Primary finding
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and his failure to abort the takeoff before colliding with an embankment.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After applying power to takeoff, the airplane began drifting to the left, which increased as the airspeed increased. The pilot applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to the left. With an embankment ahead, the pilot attempted to takeoff, but the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and collided with the embankment. The airplane operator stated that there was no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the airplane or its systems.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 16, 1997, about 1945 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150K, N5689G, registered to El Gavilan De Plata, Inc., operated by Firefox Aviation, Inc., experienced a loss of control during the takeoff roll at the Cherokee County Airport, Ball Ground, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he taxied onto the runway and straightened the nose wheel before applying power to takeoff. After applying power the airplane began drifting to the left which increased as the airspeed increased though he was applying right rudder control. He then elected to attempt to takeoff due to an embankment next to the runway but the airplane collided with the embankment. According to the operator of the airplane, there was no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the airplane or its systems. -