Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Hanover, IN — 2026-09-16

Investigation ongoingCEN26LA322
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Date
2026-09-16
Location
Hanover, IN, USA
Airport
64I
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N9909Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On September 16, 2026, about 1905 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M airplane, N9909Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hanover, Indiana. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to fly with a friend to and from Lee Bottom Airport. The pilot stated that she was familiar with the airport's grass runway and previously operated there during flight training. After landing at Lee Bottom, the pilot taxied back for departure from runway 18. During the initial takeoff the pilot noted that the airplane was not performing as expected and discontinued the takeoff. The pilot taxied back and initiated a second takeoff attempt using 10° flaps. The pilot reported that, during the second takeoff, the airplane became airborne and remained in ground effect to gain airspeed, and then the pilot established a climb. As the airplane approached trees beyond the departure end of the runway, the pilot reported that the trees appeared to be getting closer and attempted to clear them. The pilot then observed a decrease in airspeed and lowered the nose. The airplane subsequently contacted the tops of trees, continued through the trees, impacted a residence, and then impacted terrain. The airplane came to rest inverted. There were no injuries reported on ground. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane after the accident with minor injuries. The fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage and the airplane was retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (partial) · Takeoff
  • Loss of Thrust on Takeoff
View NTSB preliminary report

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