Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control and clearance from field corn during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
During takeoff from a 1,600-foot by 50-foot private grass airstrip, the airplane's right wing contacted tall field corn. The airplane entered the corn, yawed to the right, cartwheeled, and came to rest 180 degrees from the takeoff direction. The pilot reported no preimpact anomalies with the airplane. Both wings were bent and buckled.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA598 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gresham, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mooney M20E
- N-number
- N5642Q
- 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.