Cessna 150A N7023X accident near West Liberty, Kentucky

Probable cause

The pilot's premature turn toward trees during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's high gross weight and density altitude that precluded a normal takeoff and climb.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, he filled the airplane with 26 gallons of fuel before the accident flight. Following a preflight inspection, he set the flaps at 10 degrees for departure. After the airplane became airborne, the pilot began turning 30 degrees to the left when he noticed that the airplane was not going to clear the trees. The pilot stated that he heard the stall warning horn before the airplane hit the trees. The airplane descended to the ground and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot stated that he had made a poor decision to depart with the airplane's high gross weight and the high density altitude. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA420 for the full record.