Primary finding
Probable cause
poor preflight planning/preparation. Factors associated with the accident were the high vegetation (grass) and the ditch.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was attempting to takeoff on a private farm airstrip when the accident occurred. He stated the grass at the departure end of the airstrip was higher than at the arrival end. The airplane did not become airborne prior to reaching the end of the airstrip. He did not abort the takeoff because of a large ditch at the departure end of the airstrip. Just prior to reaching the ditch, the pilot pulled up in an attempt to become airborne. The landing gear caught the FAR side of the ditch.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 27, 1994, at 1345 central daylight time, an Aeronca 11AC, N9167E, registered to Donald K. Orndorff, collided with the terrain during a takeoff from a private airstrip in Carmi, Illinois, while on a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was to have originated at the time of the accident. The pilot reported he was attempting to depart downhill to the north on the private farm airstrip with a headwind of approximately 7 knots. He stated the airplane tail started to lift when approximately 1/2 down the runway; however, the grass at the north end of the airstrip was longer and the airplane did not become airborne. He stated he did not abort the takeoff because of a 25-30' x 10'-15' ditch at the end of the airstrip. Just prior to reaching the ditch, he stated, he pulled up; however, the landing gear struck the far side of the ditch. The airplane came to rest 75' on the far side of the ditch. -