Casualties unknown

Student Pilot and Instructor Experience Ground Accident During Takeoff from Farm Field (N2538N)

Fairbury, NE, US

On August 15, 1996, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2538N) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbury, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate airspeed and an inadvertant stall during the initial takeoff climb. Factors associated with the accident were the rough terrain used for takeoff and the ditch at the departure end on the field. 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 student pilot landed in a farm field after becoming disoriented and low on fuel. During a subsequent takeoff attempt with the instructor, the airplane struck a ditch and nosed over.

Landing and Refueling

A student pilot executed a landing in a farm field after losing orientation and running low on fuel. Following the landing, the student contacted his instructor, who flew to a nearby airport. The student and instructor then purchased fuel, transported it to the field, and refueled the airplane.

Takeoff Attempt

After refueling, the student and instructor began a takeoff from the rough field. As the airplane crossed over a ditch at the field's boundary, the aircraft settled, impacted the terrain, and nosed over.

Post-Accident Observations

The instructor reported that he did not walk the field to assess its condition prior to the takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 1996 Piper PA-38 accident near Fairbury, NE?

A student pilot landed in a farm field after becoming disoriented and low on fuel. During a subsequent takeoff attempt with the instructor, the airplane struck a ditch and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 1996 involved a Piper PA-38, registration N2538N, at Fairbury, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

inadequate airspeed and an inadvertant stall during the initial takeoff climb. Factors associated with the accident were the rough terrain used for takeoff and the ditch at the departure end on the field.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06462. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.