N4990Q

Substantial
Minor

CESSNA A188BS/N: 18802724T

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, July 12, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA429
Location
Elwood, NE
Event ID
20090712X91747
Coordinates
40.579681, -99.860595
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inability to maintain a climb after takeoff due to wind shift or downdraft.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N4990Q
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
18802724T
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1976
Model / ICAO
A188BC188
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
J & C ENTERPRISES AVIATION INC
Address
14 AIRPORT RD
Status
Deregistered
City
THOMAS
State / Zip Code
OK 73669-7400
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA429