Cessna A150L N6067J accident near Superior, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to retract the flaps during takeoff following a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in degraded climb performance and an impact with an object during an off-field landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go landing, he initiated the takeoff with the flaps remaining in the fully extended landing position instead of retracting the flaps to 20° as prescribed by the pilot’s operating handbook. The extended flaps increased aerodynamic drag and reduced the airplane's climb performance. As the airplane struggled to gain altitude, the pilot maneuvered to avoid rising terrain while attempting to correct the flap configuration. During an off-field landing, the airplane impacted a sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA179 for the full record.