Beech 19 N9161S accident near Columbia Station, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid tall grass along the side of the runway during the takeoff roll, which resulted in his loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, the airplane "did not gain altitude normally." About midfield, the airplane had climbed only a few feet, and the right wing hit tall grass that outlined the 40-ft-wide runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff, and the airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook, the airplane's wingspan was 32 ft 9 in. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA438 for the full record.