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Casualties unknown

Airplane Noses Over and Strikes Trees After Takeoff from Grass Runway (N185GS)

Vernon, OH, US

On July 21, 1991, a Cessna A185F (registration N185GS) operated by George H. Siegel was involved in an aviation accident near Vernon, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT ROTATED THE AIRPLANE PREMATURELY AND CONTINUED THE CLIMB AT A DECK ANGLE THAT EVENTUALLY RESULTED IN A STALL. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a takeoff from a 2400-foot grass runway with 3-4 inch high grass and a slight uphill incline, the airplane lifted off at 45 knots, climbed slowly with gear down, and nosed over at 200 feet, striking trees.

Accident

The pilot attempted to take off from a 2400-foot grass runway. The grass on the runway was 3 to 4 inches high and the runway had a slight uphill incline. The outside air temperature was 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind was from 010 degrees at 7 knots.

Takeoff Details

The pilot initiated the takeoff on a heading of 270 degrees with 30 degrees of flaps. The airplane had 30 gallons of fuel and three occupants with a combined weight of 432 pounds. The airplane lifted off at 45 knots and climbed slowly with the landing gear extended.

Collision

At an altitude of 200 feet, the airplane nosed over and struck trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jul 1991 Cessna A185F accident near Vernon, OH?

During a takeoff from a 2400-foot grass runway with 3-4 inch high grass and a slight uphill incline, the airplane lifted off at 45 knots, climbed slowly with gear down, and nosed over at 200 feet, striking trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jul 1991 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N185GS, operated by George H. Siegel, at Vernon, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT ROTATED THE AIRPLANE PREMATURELY AND CONTINUED THE CLIMB AT A DECK ANGLE THAT EVENTUALLY RESULTED IN A STALL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S COMPLACENCY, FAILURE TO DETERMINE THE AIRPLANE'S PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES PRIOR TO TAKE OFF AND HE TOOK OFF UP HILL WITH A QUARTERING TAIL WIND.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17664. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.