Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180G near Delta Junction, AK — 2025-08-19

Final reportANC25LA088
Sign in to save
Date
2025-08-19
Location
Delta Junction, AK, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
CESSNA 180G
Registration
N4721U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a rate of climb sufficient to clear obstacles during takeoff, resulting in a collision with tree-covered terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff from a remote, wet, gravel-covered, rough and uneven airstrip that was surrounded by trees, the airplane began to unexpectedly descend just after becoming airborne. He attempted to recover by applying aft elevator input; however, the airplane settled into an area of tree and vegetation-covered terrain at the departure end of the airstrip. As a result, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer, wings, and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps