N4425L

On August 13, 1999, at 0910 central daylight time, a Cessna 172G, N4425L, sustained substantial damage when during takeoff from Robinson RLA (restricted landing area)(2100 feet X 75 feet dry/turf) near Glenarm, Illinois, the airplane drifted right, struck corn, and nosed over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the flight. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The private pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In a statement, the pilot stated that he listened to Springfield ATIS (automated terminal information service) before takeoff and set the altimeter. He said that he heard the wind was 290 degrees at 17 knots. He said that he taxied to his house and picked up two passengers for a short ride around the patch. He said that for some reason he taxied to the west end of the strip and did his run up. The pilot stated that on takeoff he started to lift off at 55 to 60 indicated. He said that on climb out the airplane drifted right and struck corn. He said that the right wing's contact with the corn pulled the airplane further into the corn and the airplane came to rest on its top. The pilot said that he should have been taking off to the west.

At 0954, the Capitol Airport, Springfield, Illinois observation was: Wind 290 degrees at 17 knots gusts to 23 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition scattered 1,400 feet overcast 2,200; temperature 23 degrees C; dew point 19 degrees C; altimeter 29.80 inches of mercury.