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Gravel Bar Takeoff Collision with Debris (N2459L)

Sparrevohn, AK, US

On September 1, 1989, a Cessna 172H (registration N2459L) operated by Jayhawk Air was involved in an aviation accident near Sparrevohn, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure the takeoff area was clear of debris, which resulted in damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained substantial damage to its left horizontal stabilizer after striking a plastic bucket during takeoff from a gravel bar.

What happened

During the takeoff roll from an unpaved gravel bar, the airplane encountered a plastic bucket that had been blown into its flight path by crosswind conditions. The debris struck the left horizontal stabilizer just as the aircraft was preparing to lift off. Despite the impact, the pilot continued the flight without experiencing any immediate handling difficulties or control issues.

The investigation

Following the landing, a physical examination of the airframe was conducted. This inspection revealed substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer resulting from the collision with the foreign object debris.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure the takeoff area was clear of debris, which resulted in damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Sept 1989 Cessna 172H accident near Sparrevohn, AK?

An aircraft sustained substantial damage to its left horizontal stabilizer after striking a plastic bucket during takeoff from a gravel bar.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N2459L, operated by Jayhawk Air, at Sparrevohn, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure the takeoff area was clear of debris, which resulted in damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29269. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.