NTSB Investigators found that a Cessna plane struck a tree and an irrigation pipe during takeoff from a Morrison airfield before crashing June 17, killing two people.
The Preliminary Report said video recorded by the pilot’s wife showed the airplane drifting toward the left side of the runway at Basham Field where the wing tip contacted a tree.
One witness located approximately one mile north of the airfield said they observed the airplane pitch up and down three times before the fatal impact. Two other witnesses near the accident site said they heard sounds consistent with engine operation while the airplane was in a nose down, near vertical descent.
The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured during the personal flight intended to reposition the aircraft to Warren County Memorial Airport.
The Preliminary Report said the airplane struck an irrigation pipe shortly after the initial tree strike, causing a piece of the aircraft to depart from the left side. Investigators said the airplane became airborne with visible damage to the left stabilator before the bottom of the left wing contacted another tree at the end of the runway.
The Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report said the airplane impacted a dry corn field on a north heading, creating an impact crater approximately two feet deep and three feet in circumference. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent approximately 90 degrees.
The wreckage has been retained for further examination.
