Casualties unknown

Aircraft Noses Over After Takeoff from Narrow, Bumpy Road (N20541)

Theodore River, AK, US

On July 1, 1985, a Cessna 172M (registration N20541) operated by Kenneth D. Triplett was involved in an aviation accident near Theodore River, AK. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft became airborne prematurely after hitting a hump on an 11-foot-wide road bordered by heavy brush, then contacted brush, yawed, and nosed over into a ditch and soft tundra.

Accident Sequence

The pilot initiated a takeoff from a road on level terrain after loading the aircraft to its maximum gross weight. The road was only 11 feet wide and had numerous dips and bumps, with heavy brush along its borders. During the takeoff roll, before reaching the intended lift-off speed, the aircraft went over a hump in the road and became airborne prematurely. It then drifted slightly to the right, causing the right main landing gear to contact the brush. Subsequently, the aircraft yawed and rolled to the right, settled back onto the road and brush, slid into a ditch, and encountered soft tundra. The aircraft then nosed over.

Aircraft and Environment

The aircraft was operated at maximum gross weight. The road used for takeoff was narrow and uneven, with brush on both sides. The terrain was level but the road surface featured dips and bumps. No information is available regarding aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, or ATC involvement.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage as it nosed over. The source does not provide details on injuries or fatalities.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jul 1985 Cessna 172M accident near Theodore River, AK?

An aircraft became airborne prematurely after hitting a hump on an 11-foot-wide road bordered by heavy brush, then contacted brush, yawed, and nosed over into a ditch and soft tundra.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jul 1985 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N20541, operated by Kenneth D. Triplett, at Theodore River, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36649. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.