Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A188B near Elwood, NE — 2009-07-12

Final reportCEN09CA429
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Date
2009-07-12
Location
Elwood, NE, USA
Airport
8NE4
Aircraft
CESSNA A188B
Registration
N4990Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain a climb after takeoff due to wind shift or downdraft.

NTSB narrative

The pilot attempted to takeoff from a private grass strip and struck standing corn at the departure end the runway causing the airplane to flip over and land inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot received only minor injuries. The airplane was loaded with 120 gallons of fungicide and between 1/2 to 3/4 fuel and no mechanical abnormalities were noted prior to the accident. Weight and balance calculations indicated that the airplane was within maximum gross weight and center of gravity limits for the conditions at takeoff. The pilot stated that he had a slight headwind but after a normal liftoff from the runway, he felt like he encountered either a wind shift or downdraft.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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