Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tall corn along the edge of the airstrip during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing at a private grass airstrip, he observed corn that was about 4 ft high surrounding the airstrip. He added that during landing, the aileron spades "nicked a few blades of corn", and that the corn was actually 8 to 10 ft high.
The pilot back taxied and decided to take off. During takeoff, the right wing struck a row of corn, which pulled the airplane into the corn, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane ground looped to the left.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA400