Probable cause
The pilots' improper execution of soft/short field take-off procedures.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was departing from a soft, dry, 2,200-foot turf airfield using soft/short field procedures. After becoming airborne, the airplane settled back onto the runway, became airborne, and settled onto the runway a second time. At this time the right main wheel separated and the landing gear strut dug into the terrain spinning the airplane around and bringing it to an abrupt stop. The airplane was substantially damaged. An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies. Information contained in the NTSB Form 6120.1, as completed by the accident pilot, indicated that the airplane was five pounds under maximum gross weight at 2945 pounds.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA542 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 22, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Weeping Water, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Browns Airport (NE69)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N1921X
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Skydiving
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.