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Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Aircraft Departs Runway During Takeoff (N2506D)

Denton, NE, US

On June 24, 1983, a Cessna 170B (registration N2506D) was involved in an aviation accident near Denton, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and sustaining damage to the landing gear upon impact with rough terrain. 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 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel-equipped aircraft departed the runway during takeoff when it drifted left into tall grass, causing the landing gear to break upon contact with rough terrain.

What happened

The aircraft departed the paved surface while attempting to accelerate for takeoff. According to the pilot's account, the plane began to drift toward the left side of the runway shortly after the tailwheel was lifted off the ground. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by steering back toward the centerline, but the aircraft drifted left once more and entered tall grass adjacent to the runway.

As the pilot tried to regain control and return to the runway surface, the left main landing gear and the tail gear struck rough terrain. This impact resulted in structural failure of the landing gear assembly.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft revealed that the left main and tail gear had broken due to contact with rough terrain while the aircraft was off the runway. No mechanical failures were reported prior to the departure from the paved surface.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and sustaining damage to the landing gear upon impact with rough terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jun 1983 Cessna 170B accident near Denton, NE?

A tailwheel-equipped aircraft departed the runway during takeoff when it drifted left into tall grass, causing the landing gear to break upon contact with rough terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jun 1983 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N2506D, at Denton, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and sustaining damage to the landing gear upon impact with rough terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43472. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.