Casualties unknown

Aircraft Runs Off Runway During Agricultural Takeoff and Flips Over (N57738)

North Platte, NE, US

On July 9, 1982, a Piper PA-36 (registration N57738) operated by Aerial Ag., Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near North Platte, NE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a planned agricultural flight ran off the departure end of the runway during takeoff, continued through uncut wheat, contacted a washout and bank, and flipped over. Investigation found a magneto discrepancy but no cause stated.

Accident Description

The aircraft was conducting a planned agricultural flight. During the takeoff roll, it departed the runway at its departure end. After leaving the runway, it continued through a field of uncut wheat. Eventually, the aircraft encountered a shallow washout and a small bank, which caused it to flip over. There were no known witnesses to the accident.

Examination Findings

Following the accident, an investigation revealed that fuel was present in the aircraft's fuel tanks. The magneto and battery switches were in the on position. The throttle was found at approximately one-quarter open, the mixture was set to rich, and the propeller control was full forward. One propeller blade was bent underneath the engine and had light scratches running parallel to its front surface. The other two propeller blades were intact, unbent, and showed no scratches. Wheat straw was found on the main landing gear struts and the tailwheel spring.

Engine Inspection

A teardown inspection of the engine identified a discrepancy with the right magneto: its points were dwelled closed and failed to open. The points exhibited burning and corrosion. No other anomalies were discovered during the teardown.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03885. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.