What happened
On August 17, 2012, a Mooney M20E, registration N5642Q, was performing a takeoff from a private grass airstrip in Gresham, Wisconsin. The airstrip measured 1,600 feet in length and 50 feet in width. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft's right wing made contact with tall field corn. Following this contact, the airplane entered the corn, yawed to the right, and cartwheeled. The aircraft eventually came to a stop 180 degrees from its original takeoff direction. There were no injuries resulting from the accident. The pilot reported that there were no anomalies with the airplane prior to the impact.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that both wings were bent and buckled.