Aircraft crash following takeoff from runway 18

Casualties unknown • Greenville, MI, US

An aircraft crashed into trees and descended to the ground shortly after departing runway 18, following a takeoff that occurred past the typical rotation point.

What happened

The aircraft departed from runway 18, lifting off at a point further down the runway than witnesses were accustomed to seeing it rotate. Shortly after liftoff, the airplane began striking trees along its flight path, which resulted in the aircraft descending onto the ground.

An examination of the scene revealed that a chemical dump had been left on the runway, approximately 130 feet north of the departure end of the runway.

Findings

The autopsy of the pilot revealed myocarditis of the left ventricle of the heart, as well as hardening of the kidney's arteries. According to the pathologist, the myocarditis may have caused an arrhythmia, which potentially led to the pilot losing consciousness. Additionally, the FAA's toxicological report identified an unstated amount of norpropoxyphene in the pilot's urine sample.

Probable cause

The pilot may have lost consciousness due to an arrhythmia caused by myocarditis.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-09-08 Cessna 188 accident near Greenville, MI?

An aircraft crashed into trees and descended to the ground shortly after departing runway 18, following a takeoff that occurred past the typical rotation point.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-09-08 involved a Cessna 188, registration N5623J, at Greenville, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot may have lost consciousness due to an arrhythmia caused by myocarditis.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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