N4990Q – CESSNA A188B – 2009-07-12 NTSB Accident Report

On July 12, 2009, a Cessna A188B (N4990Q) was involved in an accident near Elwood, NE. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's inability to maintain a climb after takeoff due to wind shift or downdraft.

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.

This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA429. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4990Q.