Probable cause
The pilot's selection of the unsuitable terrain next to the runway to avoid the landing traffic. Contributing to the accident was the hill in the middle of the runway that blocked the pilot's view of the other traffic and the high vegetation near the runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he departed on an aerial application flight from the south end of a runway that had a hill about midway which blocked the view of the north end of the runway. He cleared for traffic and started his takeoff roll. Approaching the crest of the runway he saw an airplane landing in front of him. He steered his airplane into corn near the runway to avoid the collision.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA231 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 1, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Creston, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Weatherly 201B
- N-number
- N2936W
- 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.