FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Flipped After Aborted Takeoff From Unimproved Field (N72279)

Saint JO, TX, US

On May 27, 1989, a Cessna 206D (registration N72279) operated by Michael Rounds was involved in an aviation accident near Saint JO, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT TO TAKEOFF FROM A FIELD THAT WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR SUCH PURPOSE. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed in an unimproved field due to inclement weather and waited four and a half hours. After walking the terrain, he attempted a takeoff but aborted after becoming airborne. The nosewheel struck ruts, causing the aircraft to flip forward.

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions A pilot landed an airplane in an unimproved field because of inclement weather. The aircraft remained on the ground for four and a half hours until the weather cleared. ## Pre-Takeoff Assessment and Aborted Takeoff The pilot stated that he walked the terrain and felt it was safe to attempt a takeoff. During the takeoff roll, he changed his mind and aborted the takeoff after the airplane was already airborne. ## Sequence of Events and Outcome After aborting the takeoff, the pilot moved the airplane to the left and kept the nosewheel off the ground as long as possible. When the nosewheel touched down, it ran through a series of ruts in the surface. The airplane then flipped forward into the inverted position. ## Reporting The pilot did not file an accident report.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 May 1989 Cessna 206D accident near Saint JO, TX?

A pilot landed in an unimproved field due to inclement weather and waited four and a half hours. After walking the terrain, he attempted a takeoff but aborted after becoming airborne. The nosewheel struck ruts, causing the aircraft to flip forward.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 May 1989 involved a Cessna 206D, registration N72279, operated by Michael Rounds, at Saint JO, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT TO TAKEOFF FROM A FIELD THAT WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR SUCH PURPOSE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28325. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.