Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Aircraft Settles into Corn After Takeoff from Soft Runway (N4962Q)

Munger, MI, US

On July 23, 1991, a Cessna 188B (registration N4962Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Munger, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A PREMATURE LIFTOFF BY THE PILOT. A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE SOFT RUNWAY SURFACE AND A STALL/MUSH. 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 aerial application aircraft settled into mature corn shortly after a normal takeoff from a soft sod runway. An eyewitness confirmed the aircraft did not appear to take off. On-scene investigation found no pre-crash airframe or powerplant malfunctions.

Event Description

The aerial application flight departed from a reported soft surfaced sod runway. According to the pilot, the airplane settled into mature corn shortly after the 'normal takeoff.' An eyewitness confirmed the pilot's statement and added that the airplane did not appear as though it was going to take off.

Investigation

An on-scene investigation revealed that the runway surface was soft and that no pre-crash airframe or powerplant malfunctions could be identified.

Findings

The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues with the aircraft. The soft runway surface was noted as a condition present at the time of the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17472. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.