N2068ZCessna 150C · 1963

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a wet dirt airstrip, the airplane reached rotation speed quickly but indicated no further speed. The pilot felt the main gear impact softer areas on either side while keeping the airplane under control just prior to lifting off. The airplane was airborne briefly then settled back down. As the airplane was approaching the departure end of the runway where the surface slopes down it became airborne. The pilot reported that he turned toward lower terrain and attempted to follow the airport access road but failed to maintain aircraft control. The airplane did not attain sufficient altitude and collided with a fence and nosed over. The wings, vertical stabilizer and rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that during an off-field landing on a dry lake bed in a tail-wheel equipped airplane, he "rounded out too high, dropped hard," and the airplane bounced two times. As the airplane began to slow, it veered to the left despite the pilot's control inputs. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in structural damage to the right wing. The pilot stated that he felt that his perception of his vertical position was affected by the featureless, white landing surface. Post accident examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the tail wheel was separated due to a "broken" spring and remained attached to the fuselage by the tail wheel steering links. The pilot further stated that he felt that the damage to the tail wheel spring was a result of the hard landing and subsequent bounces. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane or flight control systems prior to the accident.