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Casualties unknown

Pilot Aborts Takeoff After Flap Omission (N8262L)

Chenoa, IL, US

On July 26, 1992, a Cessna 172H (registration N8262L) operated by Hall Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Chenoa, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION ON THE PART OF THE PILOT. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ACCIDENT WERE A LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF OPERATION THE PILOT WAS UNDERTAKING, A PROPER CLIMB RATE NOT OBTAINED BY THE PILOT AND REMEDIAL… 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

A pilot aborted a takeoff from a rain-soaked sod field when the airplane failed to climb, later acknowledging he had not extended the required flaps.

Event Summary

A pilot conducted a soft field takeoff from a sod field that had received rain the previous evening. According to the pilot, the airplane did not climb after lifting off and remained in ground effect. Due to the lack of climb performance, the pilot decided to abort the flight and landed in a corn field.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he used the airplane manufacturer's prescribed soft field takeoff techniques. When asked whether he had extended the required wing flaps prior to initiating the takeoff, he stated that he had not.

Sequence of Events

The pilot performed a soft field takeoff from a sod field. The field had been rained upon the previous evening. After liftoff, the airplane remained in ground effect and did not climb. The pilot elected to abort the flight and landed into a corn field because of the lack of climb performance. The pilot confirmed using the manufacturer's prescribed soft field takeoff techniques but did not extend the required wing flaps before takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jul 1992 Cessna 172H accident near Chenoa, IL?

A pilot aborted a takeoff from a rain-soaked sod field when the airplane failed to climb, later acknowledging he had not extended the required flaps.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N8262L, operated by Hall Air Inc., at Chenoa, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION ON THE PART OF THE PILOT. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ACCIDENT WERE A LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF OPERATION THE PILOT WAS UNDERTAKING, A PROPER CLIMB RATE NOT OBTAINED BY THE PILOT AND REMEDIAL ACTION NOT PERFORMED BY THE PILOT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15121. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.