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Casualties unknown

Pilot aborts takeoff on wet runway with tailwind, strikes fence (N116CF)

Newark, IL, US

On February 20, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N116CF) operated by Cushing was involved in an aviation accident near Newark, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff on a wet turf runway with a tailwind, which led to the abort and subsequent impact with a fence and ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted a takeoff attempt on a wet turf runway due to a tailwind condition. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft impacted a fence and entered a ditch.

What happened

The aircraft attempted to depart from Runway 36, which was characterized as a wet turf surface. Conditions included a tailwind component during the departure phase. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff operation. During the ensuing landing roll, the aircraft departed the runway environment and impacted a fence before coming to rest in a ditch.

Findings

A weather reporting station located 17 miles to the northeast of the accident site provided data approximately 45 minutes prior to the event. The report indicated wind conditions from 230 degrees at 14 knots. These environmental factors contributed to the decision to abort the takeoff and the subsequent loss of directional control or runway excursion.

Safety message

Operating on wet turf runways with tailwinds presents significant challenges for aircraft performance and stopping distance. Pilots must carefully evaluate wind components and surface conditions before committing to a takeoff or during an aborted departure.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff on a wet turf runway with a tailwind, which led to the abort and subsequent impact with a fence and ditch.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Feb 1991 Cessna 152 accident near Newark, IL?

A pilot aborted a takeoff attempt on a wet turf runway due to a tailwind condition. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft impacted a fence and entered a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Feb 1991 involved a Cessna 152, registration N116CF, operated by Cushing, at Newark, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff on a wet turf runway with a tailwind, which led to the abort and subsequent impact with a fence and ditch.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16429. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.