N8702X

On September 12, 2003, at 1345 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182D, N8702X, collided with the terrain following a loss of control during takeoff from the Stevens Airstrip (1,500 feet by 75 feet, sod), in Rushville, Indiana. The takeoff was being made to the north. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that the windsock was indicating calm winds prior to his takeoff. He stated he used 2 notches of flaps and rotated at an airspeed of 58 to 60 knots. The pilot reported the airplane reached an altitude of about 10 feet when it started back down. The airplane impacted the terrain in what the pilot thinks was a nose down attitude. The airplane came to rest partially on the airstrip and partially in the bordering corn field.