No fatalities

Pilot Aborts Takeoff on Grass Runway, Airplane Flips Inverted

Groesbeck, TX, United States

On May 11, 2013, a CESSNA 140 was involved in an aviation accident near Groesbeck, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on a grass runway with a tailwind, a pilot aborted after becoming airborne, lost control, and the airplane flipped inverted, causing substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured.

Background

The pilot reported that the takeoff was conducted on a grass runway with a tailwind of about 8 knots.

Accident Narrative

After the airplane became airborne approximately midfield during the takeoff roll, the pilot had a question regarding climb performance and decided to abort the takeoff. During the abort maneuver, control was lost, and the airplane flipped inverted.

Damage and Injuries

Substantial damage was sustained to the engine mount, lower fuselage, one wing, and the vertical fin and rudder. The pilot credited the four-point shoulder harness installation with saving him from injury; he was uninjured in the accident.

Aftermath

The pilot reported that there was no preimpact malfunction or failure of the airplane.

Contributing factors

Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintainedPilot