On April 20, 1987, a Cessna TR182 (registration N9145R) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Rosa, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during takeoff after striking a tree with the right elevator. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A borrowed aircraft struck a tree during takeoff from a lake island, causing the pilot to lose control and crash onto sandy ground.
What happened
A mechanic holding both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification and a commercial pilot license was operating a borrowed aircraft on a local flight. The pilot landed the aircraft on an island located within a lake and shut down the engines. Later, during the takeoff phase from the same location, the right elevator struck a small tree. This impact caused the aircraft to yaw to the right. The pilot lost control of the aircraft as it impacted the sandy, grass-covered ground.
The investigation
The source text does not provide specific mechanical examination details beyond the initial impact description.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during takeoff after striking a tree with the right elevator.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Apr 1987 Cessna TR182 accident near Santa Rosa, NM?
A borrowed aircraft struck a tree during takeoff from a lake island, causing the pilot to lose control and crash onto sandy ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Apr 1987 involved a Cessna TR182, registration N9145R, at Santa Rosa, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of control during takeoff after striking a tree with the right elevator.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…