Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he was departing Runway 35. Immediately after rotation, the airplane turned to the left and he was unable to maintain runway heading or alignment with the application of corrective control inputs. The airplane impacted terrain adjacent to the runway in a left-wing-low configuration and rotated to the right resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot and passenger were not injured. An examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing was wrinkled, the right horizontal stabilizer separated, and that the firewall was pushed up and aft. An inspection of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded safe operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA289 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Crete, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Crete Municipal Airport (CEK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Jihlavan KP
- N-number
- N21KP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.