Casualties unknown

Agricultural aircraft drags wing during takeoff in wheat field (N2056J)

Bathgate, ND, US

On July 19, 1991, a Cessna T188C (registration N2056J) operated by Craig Air Spray, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bathgate, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF CONTROL INFLIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE CROP. 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

An agricultural aircraft became airborne at the end of the runway but settled and dragged a wing into a wheat field, impacting 600 feet from the departure end.

What happened

The pilot was operating an aircraft for agricultural application purposes. The flight began with a full chemical and fuel load on board. Outside air temperature during the operation was recorded at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude along the airstrip. Upon reaching the end of the runway, the aircraft became airborne but immediately settled back toward the ground. As it descended, the left wing contacted the surface, dragging through a wheat field adjacent to the departure end of the runway.

The aircraft continued to move forward while in contact with the ground, ultimately impacting the wheat field approximately 600 feet from the departure end of the runway. No further details regarding injuries or specific damage extent were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17478. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.