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Overweight Aircraft Overran Runway and Struck Trees During Takeoff (N97618)

Plato Center, IL, US

On August 28, 1994, a Cessna 172 (registration N97618) was involved in an aviation accident near Plato Center, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO TAKE OFF ON A SHORT RUNWAY WITH A GROSS WEIGHT WHICH EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WEIGHT AND AN IMPROPER FLAP SETTING. A FACTOR WAS THE LOCATION OF OBSTRUCTIONS (TREES) AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft estimated at 2,540 pounds, exceeding its 2,400-pound maximum certified weight, struck trees at the departure end of a 2,400-foot runway during a soft field takeoff and came to rest inverted.

Accident Description and Performance Data The pilot was attempting a soft field takeoff from a 2,400-foot runway using 20 degrees of flaps. The aircraft's gross weight, with 30 gallons of fuel and four occupants, was estimated at 2,540 pounds. This exceeded the aircraft's maximum certified weight of 2,400 pounds. The calculated takeoff distance for the conditions was 1,860 feet at 2,400 pounds with a 10-degree flap setting. The pilot handbook recommends a 10-degree flap setting for short field takeoffs and states that flap settings greater than 10 degrees are not approved for takeoff. ## Outcome The aircraft contacted trees at the departure end of the runway and came to rest inverted. Post-crash operation of the engine at full throttle resulted in 2,200 RPM.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 1994 Cessna 172 accident near Plato Center, IL?

An aircraft estimated at 2,540 pounds, exceeding its 2,400-pound maximum certified weight, struck trees at the departure end of a 2,400-foot runway during a soft field takeoff and came to rest inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 1994 involved a Cessna 172, registration N97618, at Plato Center, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO TAKE OFF ON A SHORT RUNWAY WITH A GROSS WEIGHT WHICH EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WEIGHT AND AN IMPROPER FLAP SETTING. A FACTOR WAS THE LOCATION OF OBSTRUCTIONS (TREES) AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02011. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.