Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and takeoff. A factor was rough/uneven terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot selected a pasture for landing and takeoff for a local flight. During the takeoff, the airplane hit a rut and veered into a fence. The pilot stated that he should have picked a more suitable location for the flight operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 24, 1995, at 1300 central standard time, a Piper PA- 18-150, N8825Z, registered to Bellamy Aerial Spraying, Inc., of Elwood, Nebraska, and operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damaged during a takeoff from a private pasture, near Burwell, Nebraska, when it impacted a rut and ran through a fence. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that on takeoff the airplane hit a rut, turned sideways and went through a fence. He also stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had "found a better place to land and takeoff." The passenger stated that the airplane veered to the left and then to the right side prior to impact. -