Casualties unknown

Aircraft Damaged After Contacting Tall Grass on Takeoff from Private Strip (N4724R)

Grygla, MN, US

On June 24, 1989, a Cessna 188B (registration N4724R) operated by Holte, James K was involved in an aviation accident near Grygla, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. TALL GRASS (HIGH VEGETATION) AT THE END OF THE STRIP WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. 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 commercial pilot's aircraft contacted tall grass at the departure end of a private strip shortly after takeoff, causing a spray boom to catch and the aircraft to spin and be damaged.

Accident Details

A commercial pilot was operating from a private airstrip that he had used on three previous occasions. On the day of the accident, he had already dispensed approximately 14 loads. He noted that the wind had become calm, whereas during previous takeoffs from the same strip, there had been an existing wind.

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft contacted tall grass at the departure end of the strip. A spray boom attached to the aircraft caught in the tall grass, causing the aircraft to spin around. The aircraft sustained damage during the incident.

Pilot Statements

The pilot believed that if the grass at the end of the strip had been mowed, the accident would not have occurred.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28640. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.