Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain a proper takeoff speed or pitch attitude during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane settling on the runway and impacting trees.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was taking off on a short grass runway and settled back onto the runway immediately after it lifted off. It then veered off the runway and impacted trees. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff but did not reduce the engine power, and was unable to stop the airplane before it hit the trees. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that insufficient airspeed and/or an improper pitch attitude during the takeoff resulted in the airplane settling onto the runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA642 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 19, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greenfield, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Woodfield Airpark Inc (MU27)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeropro Cz A240
- N-number
- N812S
- 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.