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.
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.