No fatalities

Nose Gear Strikes Tree Branch During Takeoff from Gravel Bar (N53145)

Quinhagak, AK, US

On August 25, 1982, a Cessna 172 (registration N53145) operated by Coastal Avia. was involved in an aviation accident near Quinhagak, AK. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N53145
Aircraft registered N53145. Photo: Eric Ward from Provo, UT, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a takeoff from a 900-foot gravel bar, a pilot's nose gear struck a tree branch extending 4 feet above the water, causing the airplane to flip into the river. The occupants egressed without injury.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that he landed on a gravel bar approximately 900 feet in length to go fishing with a passenger. Later, he initiated a takeoff to the west with a slight headwind. Near the end of the gravel bar, there was a tree with branches protruding from the water. During the takeoff roll, the pilot was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear a branch that extended about 4 feet out of the water. The nose gear struck the branch, causing the airplane to flip into the river.

Post-Accident Events

The airplane floated for a period of time, allowing both occupants to egress without injury. The pilot stated that this was the first time he had landed on that particular gravel bar. No other details regarding aircraft type, registration, or environmental conditions were provided beyond those explicitly mentioned.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Aug 1982 Cessna 172 accident near Quinhagak, AK?

During a takeoff from a 900-foot gravel bar, a pilot's nose gear struck a tree branch extending 4 feet above the water, causing the airplane to flip into the river. The occupants egressed without injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Aug 1982 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Aug 1982 involved a Cessna 172, registration N53145, operated by Coastal Avia., at Quinhagak, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02698. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.