No fatalities

Student Pilot's Takeoff Aborted After Airspeed Indicator Shows 40 Knots Twice (N623AF)

Greenville, MI, US

On July 25, 1998, a Cessna 152 (registration N623AF) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's delay in performing the abort, and the instructor pilot's failure to take control of the airplane before passing the end of the runway. A factor contributing to this accident was the ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a takeoff, a student pilot's aircraft lifted off briefly then returned to grass. Airspeed indicated 40 knots twice. Instructor aborted, but aircraft crossed ditches before stopping. No anomalies found.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting a takeoff under the supervision of an instructor pilot. According to the instructor, as the aircraft passed the crosswind runway intersection, approximately midway down the runway, the airspeed indicator showed 40 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS).

Sequence of Events

After crossing the intersection, the aircraft began to lift off but subsequently returned to the grass. At that point, the airspeed indicator again read 40 KIAS. The instructor pilot then directed the student to abort the takeoff. The instructor reported taking control of the aircraft just as they passed the end of the runway.

Final Position

The aircraft subsequently crossed one ditch and came to a stop after striking a second ditch.

Post-Incident Inspection

An inspection of the aircraft revealed no anomalies.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 1998 Cessna 152 accident near Greenville, MI?

During a takeoff, a student pilot's aircraft lifted off briefly then returned to grass. Airspeed indicated 40 knots twice. Instructor aborted, but aircraft crossed ditches before stopping. No anomalies found.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jul 1998 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 1998 involved a Cessna 152, registration N623AF, at Greenville, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's delay in performing the abort, and the instructor pilot's failure to take control of the airplane before passing the end of the runway. A factor contributing to this accident was the ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10529. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.