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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Terrain After Pilot Distraction During Night Departure (N3799R)

Chadron, NE, US

On January 9, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N3799R) was involved in an aviation accident near Chadron, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PLT FAILED TO DEVOTE FULL TIME & ATTENTION TO FLYING THE ACFT, WITH A RESULTING LOSS OF CONTROL AND COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS. 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

Shortly after takeoff on a dark night, a private pilot turned to retrieve an item from the back seat. When he faced forward again, he could not see the horizon. While scanning instruments, the aircraft struck terrain left wing first, causing the wing to fold and the plane to slide 120 feet.

Accident Description

A private pilot was conducting a departure on a dark night. Shortly after liftoff, the pilot reported that he turned around to retrieve something from the back seat. While in this position, he noticed the engine's RPM increasing. When he turned back to face forward, he found that he could no longer see the horizon.

Sequence of Events

Attempting to regain situational awareness, the pilot began scanning the instrument panel. Before he could complete this scan or adjust the aircraft's attitude, the airplane struck the terrain. The initial impact was with the left wing, which subsequently folded under the fuselage. The aircraft then slid approximately 120 feet across the ground before coming to a stop.

Aircraft Damage

The left wing sustained structural failure, folding beneath the fuselage. The extent of damage to other components is not specified in the source.

Pilot Information

The pilot held a private pilot certificate. No additional qualifications or experience details are provided.

Environmental Conditions

The accident occurred at night in dark conditions. No information about weather, visibility, or other environmental factors is available.

Investigation Status

The source does not indicate any ongoing investigation or findings beyond the factual sequence of events described.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jan 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Chadron, NE?

Shortly after takeoff on a dark night, a private pilot turned to retrieve an item from the back seat. When he faced forward again, he could not see the horizon. While scanning instruments, the aircraft struck terrain left wing first, causing the wing to fold and the plane to slide 120 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jan 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N3799R, at Chadron, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PLT FAILED TO DEVOTE FULL TIME & ATTENTION TO FLYING THE ACFT, WITH A RESULTING LOSS OF CONTROL AND COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27638. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.