Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain a climb after takeoff due to wind shift or downdraft.
NTSB analysis
The pilot attempted to takeoff from a private grass strip and struck standing corn at the departure end the runway causing the airplane to flip over and land inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot received only minor injuries. The airplane was loaded with 120 gallons of fungicide and between 1/2 to 3/4 fuel and no mechanical abnormalities were noted prior to the accident. Weight and balance calculations indicated that the airplane was within maximum gross weight and center of gravity limits for the conditions at takeoff. The pilot stated that he had a slight headwind but after a normal liftoff from the runway, he felt like he encountered either a wind shift or downdraft.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA429 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Elwood, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Bornemeier Airstrip (8NE4)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A188B
- N-number
- N4990Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.