Probable cause
The inadequate preflight planning and preparation and the aborted takeoff not performed by the pilot. Contributing to the accident were the trees and transmission wire.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the agricultural airplane was fueled with 110 gallons of fuel and loaded with 450 gallons of water and chemical mix for a local aerial application flight. The pilot then taxied the airplane to and attempted a takeoff from runway 27 (3,500 feet by 75). The pilot stated that the engine seemed normal during the takeoff roll. About halfway down the runway, the airplane did not "respond" so he began dumping the load but stopped because there was a car traveling along Illinois Route 47, which is west of the runway departure end. The airplane became airborne and impacted a tree and a power line and came to rest in a corn field about 150 yards west of Route 47. The wing spar was damaged. The pilot stated that he should have used a lesser load for takeoff.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA193 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 15, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kilbourne, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres Corporation S2R-G6
- N-number
- N3105U
- 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.