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Aircraft Noses Over During Aborted Takeoff on Soft Grass Runway (N191WW)

Middleton, WI, US

On June 9, 2001, a Cessna 172M (registration N191WW) was involved in an aviation accident near Middleton, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot attempted a touch and go on unsuitable terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the tall wet grass airstrip on which the touch and go was attempted. 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

During an aborted takeoff on a wet grass runway, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot had performed prior touch-and-go landings on asphalt before the incident.

Accident Details

An aircraft nosed over during an aborted takeoff on a soft grass airstrip. The pilot had completed 7 or 8 touch-and-go landings on asphalt runway 30 before deciding to perform the final touch-and-go on runway 36, which was a wet grass surface measuring 2,971 feet by 110 feet.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that after landing on runway 36, he configured the airplane for takeoff. He stated, "The plane would not get up to flying speed. The engine was at full power and I was bogging down. I decided to abort the take-off and pulled power out, full back elevator and the airplane slowed down, when the nose wheel touched down in the very soft mud and the plane nosed-over and came to rest inverted."

Runway Conditions

Prior to takeoff, the pilot asked a staff member if the grass runways were open and received an affirmative response. A post-accident inspection of the airstrip revealed that the grass was wet from recent rains. The pilot described the runway as "very soft and muddy with long grass."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 2001 Cessna 172M accident near Middleton, WI?

During an aborted takeoff on a wet grass runway, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot had performed prior touch-and-go landings on asphalt before the incident.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 2001 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 2001 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N191WW, at Middleton, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted a touch and go on unsuitable terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the tall wet grass airstrip on which the touch and go was attempted.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010611X01148. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.