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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Tree After Takeoff and Descends Uncontrolled (N94302)

Mesa, AZ, US

On March 11, 1990, a Cessna T210L (registration N94302) was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FOLLOW THE AIRPLANE CHECKLIST AND PROPERLY CONFIGURE THE AIRPLANE FOR TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PREPARATION AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPUTE THE AIRCRAFT WEIGHT BEFORE TAKEOFF. 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 airplane struck a tree and descended uncontrolled after takeoff. Witnesses reported the airplane settled to the runway, became airborne again, but never climbed above 50 feet. Examination found the flaps at 20 degrees, elevator trim full nose up, and takeoff gross weight 58 pounds over maximum.

Accident Description

According to the investigation, the airplane struck a tree and descended uncontrolled after takeoff. Witnesses observed the airplane initially become airborne, then settle back to the runway. It subsequently became airborne again but never climbed higher than 50 feet above ground level. The engine was reported to sound normal throughout the event, and witnesses indicated that the airplane appeared to be over gross weight.

Survivor Statement

A surviving passenger stated that the airplane was equipped with STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) modifications and that 20 degrees of flaps were selected for the departure. Post-accident examination of the wreckage confirmed the flaps were set at 20 degrees.

Examination Findings

Elevator trim was found set to full nose-up position. The calculated takeoff gross weight was 58 pounds above the maximum allowable gross weight.

Summary of Facts

  • The airplane struck a tree and descended uncontrolled after becoming airborne.
  • Witnesses observed the airplane settle to the runway, then become airborne again without climbing above 50 feet.
  • Engine sound was normal.
  • The airplane appeared to be over gross weight.
  • Flaps were set at 20 degrees, confirmed by wreckage examination.
  • Elevator trim was set full nose up.
  • Takeoff gross weight exceeded maximum by 58 pounds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Mar 1990 Cessna T210L accident near Mesa, AZ?

An airplane struck a tree and descended uncontrolled after takeoff. Witnesses reported the airplane settled to the runway, became airborne again, but never climbed above 50 feet. Examination found the flaps at 20 degrees, elevator trim full nose up, and takeoff gross weight 58 pounds over maximum.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Mar 1990 involved a Cessna T210L, registration N94302, at Mesa, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FOLLOW THE AIRPLANE CHECKLIST AND PROPERLY CONFIGURE THE AIRPLANE FOR TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PREPARATION AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPUTE THE AIRCRAFT WEIGHT BEFORE TAKEOFF.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22743. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.