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Aircraft Noses Over on Waterlogged Turf Runway During Takeoff (N1970K)

Joliet, IL, US

On June 12, 2004, a Luscombe 8E (registration N1970K) was involved in an aviation accident near Joliet, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff and the subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control during the encounter with the standing water. Contributing factors were the standing water and the soft runway condition. 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

An aircraft nosed over during takeoff roll after encountering standing water on a turf runway. The pilot did not see the water before starting the takeoff.

Accident Details

An aircraft sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during the takeoff roll on a turf runway. According to the pilot, the aircraft encountered standing water on the runway surface, causing the nose-over. The pilot reported not seeing the water prior to initiating the takeoff.

Runway Conditions

The airport manager stated that the runway was saturated due to heavy rains that fell the night before the accident. The airport also has a second runway, designated 12-30, which is asphalt and measures 2,937 feet by 100 feet.

Weather Information

At the time of the accident, winds at the airport were recorded from 340 degrees at 5 knots. The observation time was 1505 hours.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jun 2004 Luscombe 8E accident near Joliet, IL?

An aircraft nosed over during takeoff roll after encountering standing water on a turf runway. The pilot did not see the water before starting the takeoff.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jun 2004 Luscombe 8E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jun 2004 involved a Luscombe 8E, registration N1970K, at Joliet, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff and the subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control during the encounter with the standing water. Contributing factors were the standing water and the soft runway condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040709X00940. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.