Cessna 150M N3568V accident near Ellijay, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain and maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff which resulted in a descent, loss of directional control, and a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he applied power for night time takeoff and lifted off the runway. The airplane reached a height about 5 feet above the ground, and the pilot stated he could not see the runway lights and felt he was in a black hole. The airplane descended to the runway and bounced hard. Despite efforts from the pilot to control the airplane, it veered left, exited the runway, and went down an eight to ten foot high embankment impacting terrain. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA216 for the full record.