Casualties unknown

Floatplane wing strikes branch during takeoff turn (N79SC)

Near Skwentna, AK, US

On August 16, 1982, a Cessna 185 (registration N79SC) operated by Warren Linden Huppi was involved in an aviation accident near Near Skwentna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during a left turn immediately after takeoff, which resulted in the right wing striking a branch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A floatplane pilot lost control shortly after takeoff from a narrow river, striking a tree branch with the right wing and flipping the aircraft upside down in the trees.

What happened

The pilot initiated a takeoff sequence from a confined river channel using a float-equipped aircraft. The flight plan included an immediate left turn at the point of lift-off. Upon becoming airborne, the aircraft entered the turn as planned. However, during this maneuver, the right wing made contact with a tree branch protruding into the flight path. The impact caused the aircraft to lose stability and come to rest in an inverted position within the surrounding trees.

The investigation

Post-accident examination revealed that the aircraft ended up upside down among the trees. The pilot provided a statement regarding the sequence of events, confirming the contact with the branch during the initial climb and turn. No mechanical failures were cited as contributing factors to the incident.

Findings

The pilot acknowledged that he may have been overconfident in his ability to execute the takeoff maneuver under the specific conditions presented by the narrow river and surrounding obstacles. The primary factor leading to the accident was the loss of control during the initial phase of flight, specifically due to inadequate clearance during the left turn after lift-off.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during a left turn immediately after takeoff, which resulted in the right wing striking a branch.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 1982 Cessna 185 accident near Near Skwentna, AK?

A floatplane pilot lost control shortly after takeoff from a narrow river, striking a tree branch with the right wing and flipping the aircraft upside down in the trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 1982 involved a Cessna 185, registration N79SC, operated by Warren Linden Huppi, at Near Skwentna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during a left turn immediately after takeoff, which resulted in the right wing striking a branch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02664. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.