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Agricultural Aircraft Nose Over After Aborted Takeoff on Turf Runway (N4997Y)

Beltrami, MN, US

On July 17, 1996, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N4997Y) operated by Minto Flying Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Beltrami, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to jettison the load and the soft runway overrun area. 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

An agricultural aircraft aborted takeoff after settling back towards the runway, ran off the turf strip, and nosed over in soft terrain. The pilot reported a density altitude of 2,700 feet with high humidity.

Accident Overview

An agricultural airplane was conducting a takeoff from a private turf airstrip following a successful runup. The aircraft's hopper contained 108 gallons of chemical product. During the takeoff roll, the airplane lifted off at approximately halfway down the runway.

Sequence of Events

Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane began to settle back towards the runway. The pilot subsequently aborted the takeoff. The aircraft departed the runway surface and encountered soft terrain, causing it to nose over.

Pilot's Statement

The pilot reported that the density altitude at the time was 2,700 feet with high humidity.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jul 1996 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Beltrami, MN?

An agricultural aircraft aborted takeoff after settling back towards the runway, ran off the turf strip, and nosed over in soft terrain. The pilot reported a density altitude of 2,700 feet with high humidity.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jul 1996 Piper PA-25-235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jul 1996 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N4997Y, operated by Minto Flying Service, Inc., at Beltrami, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to jettison the load and the soft runway overrun area.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06182. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.