Probable cause
A jam of the elevator flight control for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot attempted to pull back on the stick during the takeoff run, but was unable to move the control. He stated that he used both hands, but was still unable to move the control stick. The airplane traveled off the end of the runway where it became airborne after contacting a ditch. The airplane then settled into a corn field and a fire ensued. The reason for the control stick binding could not be determined due to the extensive fire damage to the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA522 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Evansville, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Maas Airstrip (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G-164A
- N-number
- N9794
- 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.