The pilot made a downwind takeoff from a sod runway and crashed shortly after takeoff resulting burns to passenger.

Arcadia, Indiana

• Date: 05-23-1997
• Aircraft Type: Airplane
• Aircraft Make & Model: Piper – Piper PA-28-140
• Aircraft Engine: Lycoming O-320-E2A
• Casualties: 3 Injuries
• Flight Category: General Aviation

Case Details:

The sod runway was not lighted, nor were there any reflective devices marking the threshold or runway edges.