WAUNAKEE, WI, USA
N114JM
Champion 8GCBC
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing at a private grass airstrip, he observed 4-ft-tall corn surrounding the airstrip. He added that, during landing, the aileron spades "nicked a few blades of corn" and that the corn was actually 8 to 10 ft tall. The pilot back taxied and decided to take off. During takeoff, the right wing struck a row of corn, which pulled the airplane into the corn. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane ground looped to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing at a private grass airstrip, he observed corn that was about 4 ft high surrounding the airstrip. He added that during landing, the aileron spades "nicked a few blades of corn", and that the corn was actually 8 to 10 ft high. The pilot back taxied and decided to take off. During takeoff, the right wing struck a row of corn, which pulled the airplane into the corn, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane ground looped to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tall corn along the edge of the airstrip during takeoff.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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