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CEN23LA335

2023-07-28 · Tyler, Minnesota, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport 63Y

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s improper flap position during takeoff, which resulted in degraded climb performance and a collision with terrain.

Factual narrative

The pilot attempted the takeoff with the flaps in the half or first notch position. Unable to rotate during the takeoff roll, the pilot selected the full flap position, and the agricultural airplane lifted off the 2,500-ft long turf airstrip about 150 feet before the end of the runway. The airplane was unable to climb out of ground effect and contacted corn stalks that were located past the end of the runway. The airplane descended into the vegetation and came to rest nose down and upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. According to the airplane owner’s handbook, a takeoff distance of about 1,370 feet was required to clear a 50-foot obstacle with the sprayer configuration. The handbook recommended that the wing flaps be retracted at all times during takeoff. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action selection-Pilot
  • — Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Wing structure-Trailing edge flaps-Incorrect use/operation
  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Climb rate-Attain/maintain not possible

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2023_CEN23LA335.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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