N2961N

On July 21, 2000, at 1510 central daylight time, a Cessna 120, N2961N, was substantially damaged during an on ground collision with terrain following an aborted takeoff from a private airstrip near Clintonville, Wisconsin. The personal flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and his passenger reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported the engine failed to produce adequate horsepower to depart a grass field that was about 1,700 feet long. He reported the airplane settled back to the ground and went across a road embankment that damaged the fixed landing gear.

A FAA airworthiness inspector reported in a phone conversation that the field was an alfalfa field that had recently been harvested and the stubble was about 6 to 8 inches in height. He reported that the field had a slight incline in the direction of takeoff. The inspection of the airplane revealed the fuel tanks were full. The engine compression, sparks plugs, and pitot were checked and no anomalies were noted. He reported the propeller blades were bent forward.