Piper PA-38-112 N2351A accident near Harvard, Illinois

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff that resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with the cornfield.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that prior to departure, he preflighted the airplane and found no anomalies. There no issues with his takeoff from the grass airstrip but once airborne, he felt uncomfortable to continue the flight due to hazy weather conditions. He then returned to the airstrip and landed without incident. He attempted a second takeoff with a left quartering crosswind, during which the airplane moved aggressively to the left. He applied additional right rudder control input, but the left turn increased, and the airplane impacted a cornfield about 1,000 ft down the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left- and right-wing spars and the fuselage. The pilot stated the accident could have been prevented by reducing the throttle setting or turning off the magnetos in a timely manner. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA362 for the full record.