N9167E

On April 27, 1994, at 1345 central daylight time, an Aeronca 11AC, N9167E, registered to Donald K. Orndorff, collided with the terrain during a takeoff from a private airstrip in Carmi, Illinois, while on a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was to have originated at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported he was attempting to depart downhill to the north on the private farm airstrip with a headwind of approximately 7 knots. He stated the airplane tail started to lift when approximately 1/2 down the runway; however, the grass at the north end of the airstrip was longer and the airplane did not become airborne. He stated he did not abort the takeoff because of a 25-30' x 10'-15' ditch at the end of the airstrip. Just prior to reaching the ditch, he stated, he pulled up; however, the landing gear struck the far side of the ditch. The airplane came to rest 75' on the far side of the ditch.