Agricultural Aircraft Excursion from Sod Airstrip

Casualties unknown • Town Creek, AL, US

An agricultural aircraft failed to reach takeoff speed and veered off the end of a sod runway after encountering soft ground during its takeoff roll.

What happened

Earlier in the day, the pilot had been conducting spraying operations from a paved runway. Later that morning, the operation was moved to a sod airstrip that was wet and soft. In an effort to account for the condition of the surface, the pilot reduced the chemical load on the agricultural aircraft.

During the initial takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a soft spot on the runway. As a result, the plane was unable to reach flying speed. The pilot responded by jettisoning the chemical load and attempting to abort the takeoff. Despite these actions, the airplane rolled off the departure end of the 2150-foot runway and into an adjacent field. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered a soft spot on a wet sod runway during the takeoff roll, preventing it from reaching flying speed and causing it to exit the end of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-08 Cessna 188T accident near Town Creek, AL?

An agricultural aircraft failed to reach takeoff speed and veered off the end of a sod runway after encountering soft ground during its takeoff roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-08 involved a Cessna 188T, registration N731MK, at Town Creek, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered a soft spot on a wet sod runway during the takeoff roll, preventing it from reaching flying speed and causing it to exit the end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04148. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…