During an aborted takeoff from an alfalfa field near Eltopia at approximately 1500 Pacific time, the Cessna 172 was substantially damaged; the pilot and passenger were uninjured. While on a cross-country flight, the airplane developed a rough engine and the pilot made a precautionary landing in a nearby field. After the successful landing, the pilot checked the airplanes engine and systems but concluded that …everything seemed to be working fine and elected to attempt a takeoff from the field. During the takeoff roll, the airplane rose into ground effect, but then drifted down. The pilot aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane encountered rough uneven terrain and nosed down.
March 14, Eltopia, Wash. / Cessna 172
During an aborted takeoff from an alfalfa field near Eltopia at approximately 1500 Pacific time, the Cessna 172 was substantially damaged; the pilot and passenger were uninjured. While on a cross-country flight, the airplane developed a rough engine and the pilot made a precautionary landing in a nearby field. After the successful landing, the pilot checked the airplanes engine and systems but concluded that ...everything seemed to be working fine and elected to attempt a takeoff from the field. During the takeoff roll, the airplane rose into ground effect, but then drifted down. The pilot aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane encountered rough uneven terrain and nosed down....
Key Takeaways:
- A Cessna 172 sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff from an alfalfa field, though the pilot and passenger were uninjured.
- The incident occurred after the pilot made an initial successful precautionary landing in the field due to a rough engine during a cross-country flight.
- After checking the aircraft and believing it was fine, the pilot attempted a second takeoff, which was aborted when the plane lost lift after rising into ground effect, causing it to nose down upon encountering rough terrain.
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