Aircraft excursion during takeoff from sod runway

Casualties unknown • Martin, SD, US

An aircraft failed to maintain flight during a takeoff attempt on a wet, muddy sod runway, resulting in an excursion into a pond.

What happened

The pilot was attempting to take off from a 2600-foot long sod runway located at an elevation of 3300 feet MSL. The runway surface was noted to be wet and muddy. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was carrying full fuel and 70 gallons of 2-4-D. Weather conditions included a temperature of approximately 88 degrees with winds from the west-northwest at 2-3 mph.

During the takeoff roll, there were conflicting accounts regarding whether the aircraft became airborne. The pilot informed an FAA inspector that the airplane lifted off momentarily before settling back onto the runway; however, the pilot's official accident report stated that the airplane did not become airborne.

Following the failed takeoff, the aircraft exited the left side of the runway, passed through a small pond, and struck the shoulder of a road. The aircraft then slid across the road and came to rest on its nose in a large pond. The pilot was not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-06-04 Cessna 188A accident near Martin, SD?

An aircraft failed to maintain flight during a takeoff attempt on a wet, muddy sod runway, resulting in an excursion into a pond.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-06-04 involved a Cessna 188A, registration N78516, at Martin, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE ON-GROUND LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE OPTIMUM TAKEOFF FLAPS FOR THE RUNWAY CONDITIONS THAT EXISTED, AND THE SOFT WET RUNWAY SURFACE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23382. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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