Casualties unknown

Accident Involving N4848Q: Takeoff on Turf Runway Ends in Collision with Fence

Indianola, NE, US

On July 20, 1985, a Cessna A188B (registration N4848Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Indianola, 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

Aircraft N4848Q, at maximum gross weight, attempted takeoff on a 2,350 ft turf runway with a density altitude of 2,500 ft. After using full runway length, it struck a fence and crashed in a field.

Accident Details

The accident involved aircraft N4848Q. The aircraft was loaded to its maximum gross weight at the time of the takeoff. The runway used was a turf runway measuring 2,350 feet in length. The density altitude at the time was approximately 2,500 feet.

Pilot Observations

According to the pilot, the wind before departure was light and favored Runway 29. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that the aircraft did not seem to be developing quite the power expected, although the instruments indicated normal operation. The aircraft used the full length of the runway to become airborne.

Collision and Aftermath

After lifting off, the aircraft was unable to clear a fence located off the departure end of the runway. The aircraft struck the top of the fence and subsequently crashed in the field beyond. Following the accident, the pilot walked back to the airport and observed that the airport windsock indicated wind from the northeast.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37229. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.