No fatalities

Pilot Performs Off-Airport Landing After Midfield Takeoff Attempt

Poplar Grove, IL, United States

On July 23, 2011, a LUSCOMBE 8 A operated by Pilot was involved in an aviation accident near Poplar Grove, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to not use all available runway length and his failure to abort the takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted a midfield takeoff with 1,800 ft of runway remaining, but the airplane could not clear trees. After turning to avoid power lines, an off-airport landing resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that he attempted a midfield takeoff with approximately 1,800 feet of runway remaining. During the takeoff roll, the airplane was unable to clear trees at the departure end of the runway. The pilot then executed a right turn to the north but could not clear power lines along the airplane's course, prompting an off-airport landing.

Damage Assessment

The off-airport landing resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and the left side of the fuselage. No further details on the extent of damage were provided.

Pilot and Passenger Information

The Federal Aviation Administration stated that the pilot and a passenger each weighed over 200 pounds. Additionally, the accident occurred on a hot afternoon, though specific temperature or weather conditions were not detailed.

Additional Circumstances

The report did not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, time of day beyond "hot afternoon," or any ATC involvement. The pilot's statement is the primary source for the sequence of events.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotClimb rate — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Temp/humidity/pressure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 2011 LUSCOMBE 8 A accident near Poplar Grove, IL?

A pilot attempted a midfield takeoff with 1,800 ft of runway remaining, but the airplane could not clear trees. After turning to avoid power lines, an off-airport landing resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 2011 LUSCOMBE 8 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 2011 involved a LUSCOMBE 8 A, operated by Pilot, at Poplar Grove, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to not use all available runway length and his failure to abort the takeoff.