Casualties unknown

Aircraft Impacts Terrain During Takeoff Due to Wind Gust (N926LT)

Scotland, SD, US

On May 19, 2007, a Cessna A188 (registration N926LT) was involved in an aviation accident near Scotland, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a descent and impact with terrain. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from a turf runway, a gust of wind caused airspeed loss and terrain impact in a cornfield. No mechanical issues were reported before the accident.

What happened

The aircraft was attempting to depart from runway 18, which consisted of a 2,600-foot by 90-foot turf surface. During the takeoff roll, the flight encountered a gust of wind originating from the north. This sudden change in wind conditions caused a decrease in airspeed. As a result, the airplane descended and impacted terrain in a planted cornfield located near the departure end of the runway.

The investigation

Examination of the event revealed that no mechanical problems with the airplane were reported prior to the accident. The loss of altitude was directly linked to the aerodynamic effects of the wind gust during the critical takeoff phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a descent and impact with terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070615X00732. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.