Airplane Impacts Corn After Takeoff from Grass Runway (N33117)

Accident Details

The airplane impacted corn immediately after takeoff from a grass runway and was destroyed by a post-impact fire. The pilot stated that he was departing on runway 27 using a short field takeoff procedure. He reported the wind as 270 degrees at 5-7 knots. During the takeoff, the airplane "settled back on down" and then became airborne again but could not clear the corn crop at the end of the runway. The pilot noted that the grass on the west end of the runway was about 8 inches high.

Pilot Report and Examination

In his written report, the pilot listed no mechanical malfunction of the aircraft. A postaccident examination of the aircraft failed to reveal any preexisting anomalies.

Runway and Weather Conditions

The inspector noted that the grass on the runway was about 3 inches high and was "very damp but firm." A weather report for a reporting station located about 13 nautical miles and 85 degrees magnetic reported winds, about 20 minutes after the accident, as 130 degrees at 3 knots.