Aircraft crash following failed takeoff from grass runway

Casualties unknown • Millington, MI, US

An aircraft crashed into a field after striking trees during an attempted takeoff from a soft, uphill grass strip.

What happened

During an attempted departure from an 1,800-foot grass runway characterized by an uphill slope, the pilot was unable to reach rotation speed. The runway conditions consisted of soft turf with grass heights ranging between 6 and 10 inches.

The aircraft was carrying a total load of four people—the pilot and three adult passengers—along with 52 gallons of fuel. As the aircraft reached approximately three-quarters of the way down the runway, it had not yet achieved lift-off airspeed. The pilot determined that it was too late to perform an aborted takeoff and proceeded to rotate the aircraft while retracting the landing gear.

Following rotation, the aircraft struck several trees that were 8 to 10 feet in height at the departure end of the runway. The aircraft then crashed into a nearby farmer's field. There were no fatalities reported in the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted to continue the takeoff despite insufficient airspeed, likely due to the challenging runway conditions including soft turf and an uphill slope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-07-01 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Millington, MI?

An aircraft crashed into a field after striking trees during an attempted takeoff from a soft, uphill grass strip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-07-01 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N5250P, operated by Garold L. Fox, at Millington, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted to continue the takeoff despite insufficient airspeed, likely due to the challenging runway conditions including soft turf and an uphill slope.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23632. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…