Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Overgross Load Following Takeoff Accident (N9909P)

Mt. Carmel, IL, US

On July 5, 1985, a Piper PA-36-285 (registration N9909P) was involved in an aviation accident near Mt. Carmel, IL. 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

A pilot stated his aircraft, loaded with dry fertilizer, failed to clear a dirt bank after takeoff from a sod strip, impacting nose-down in a cornfield. He later reported being overgrossed for field conditions; estimated air temperature was 93°F.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that the aircraft was loaded with dry fertilizer prior to the flight. After taking off from a sod airstrip, the aircraft failed to clear a dirt bank located at the southern end of the strip. Upon striking the dirt bank, the aircraft impacted a cornfield in a nose-down attitude.

Pilot's Statements

Following the accident, the pilot informed an FAA operations inspector that the aircraft was overgrossed for the field conditions prevailing that day. The pilot also estimated the outside air temperature at the time of the accident to be 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37031. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.