Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, which led to the inability to accelerate to takeoff speed after encountering wet and soft runway conditions.
NTSB analysis
During takeoff from a grass runway, the aircraft's landing gear encountered a wet and soft area of runway. Due to the encounter with the wet and soft terrain, the pilot was unable to get the aircraft airborne. The pilot said that the aircraft "slowed down very fast" and the left wing tip impacted terrain. The wing sustained substantial damage and was reported to be "not repairable."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA303 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 17, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newark, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Cushing Field Ltd Airport (0C8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Airborne XT912
- N-number
- N912LM
- Category
- Weight-shift
- 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.