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Airplane Collides with Corn Crop During Takeoff from Soft Grass Airstrip (N5211L)

Mcconnell, IL, US

On August 28, 2005, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N5211L) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcconnell, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight/planning which resulted in the attempted takeoff on the soft airstrip. Factors associated with the accident were the soft terrain, the corn crop, and the inadequate airspeed achieved during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

An airplane collided with a corn crop during takeoff from a 1,400-foot grass airstrip. The pilot reported insufficient airspeed and turned to avoid a dike, resulting in a spin and collision.

Accident Overview

An airplane collided with a corn crop during takeoff from a private grass airstrip measuring 1,400 feet in length. The pilot, who also owns the airstrip, reported that there was insufficient airspeed to complete the takeoff.

Pilot Actions

According to the pilot, a dike was located off the end of the airstrip. To avoid contacting the dike, he turned the airplane to the left into a corn field. The airplane then contacted the corn, spun around, and came to rest.

Airstrip Conditions

The pilot stated that the airstrip is located near a river and tends to be soft. He noted that the airstrip had been mowed the day prior to the accident. Following the accident, he walked the airstrip and determined that the ground was soft.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 2005 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Mcconnell, IL?

An airplane collided with a corn crop during takeoff from a 1,400-foot grass airstrip. The pilot reported insufficient airspeed and turned to avoid a dike, resulting in a spin and collision.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 2005 Piper PA-28-180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 2005 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N5211L, at Mcconnell, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight/planning which resulted in the attempted takeoff on the soft airstrip. Factors associated with the accident were the soft terrain, the corn crop, and the inadequate airspeed achieved during the takeoff roll.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050916X01476. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.