Casualties unknown

Agricultural Aircraft Incurs Damage During Dirt Road Takeoff Attempt (N70164)

Limon, CO, US

On May 14, 1987, a Cessna A188B (registration N70164) operated by Harlie D. Hahn was involved in an aviation accident near Limon, CO. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft loaded with 40 gallons of fuel and 140 gallons of chemical attempted takeoff from a dirt road with a quartering tailwind. It lifted off briefly but settled, causing the right wing to hit fence posts and collapse the left main landing gear.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during aerial application operations, he was using a dirt road for takeoff. The aircraft was loaded with 40 gallons of fuel and 140 gallons of chemical. The density altitude was estimated to be 8,100 feet.

Sequence of Events

The takeoff was made to the east with a quartering tailwind of about 15 knots. The aircraft lifted off to approximately 15 feet above ground level but then settled back onto the road. The left wheel remained on the road while the right wheel went into the right ditch. Subsequently, the right wing struck fence posts, causing the aircraft to turn to the right and collapsing the left main landing gear.

Damage

As a result of the incident, the left main landing gear collapsed. The right wing also sustained damage from contact with the fence posts.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30919. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.