Agricultural aircraft ground looped during takeoff

Casualties unknown • Elizabeth City, NC, US

An agricultural aircraft experienced a ground loop after settling back onto the runway during an attempted takeoff, resulting in contact with a ditch and a bean field.

What happened

During an agricultural application flight, the pilot attempted to take off but encountered difficulties approximately two feet above the ground. While attempting to gain airspeed, the pilot lowered the nose of the aircraft, which caused the airplane to settle back onto the runway.

The aircraft was reportedly operating near its maximum gross weight at the time of the incident. In an effort to avoid a dry canal bed located near the departure end of the runway, the pilot maintained power and pulled back on the control stick. This maneuver caused the airplane to contact a ditch and subsequently enter a bean field, where it underwent a ground loop.

The pilot reported experiencing crosswinds and gusts reaching 15 knots during the takeoff attempt. The pilot also noted that the aircraft was overloaded for the existing field conditions. No mechanical issues were reported with the aircraft following the event, and the pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to operate the aircraft at a weight near maximum gross weight for the prevailing field conditions, combined with an attempt to avoid an obstacle during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-09-08 Cessna 188B accident near Elizabeth City, NC?

An agricultural aircraft experienced a ground loop after settling back onto the runway during an attempted takeoff, resulting in contact with a ditch and a bean field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-09-08 involved a Cessna 188B, registration N731NY, at Elizabeth City, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to operate the aircraft at a weight near maximum gross weight for the prevailing field conditions, combined with an attempt to avoid an obstacle during takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24183. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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