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Casualties unknown

Overweight Airplane Settles into Brush After Departure (N25759)

Cantwell, AK, US

On July 3, 1990, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N25759) operated by Vernair, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Cantwell, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO UNDERSTAND THE PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS OF THE AIRPLANE AND HIS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS OPERATING THE AIRPLANE AT A GREATER THAN ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT. 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

The pilot reported the airplane did not climb as anticipated and settled into brush shortly after departure. Weight and balance documents showed it was 40 pounds over maximum gross weight, and performance data indicated insufficient runway to clear obstructions.

Report Details

The pilot reported that the airplane did not climb as well as he had anticipated and that it settled into brush shortly after departure.

Weight and Balance

Examination of weight and balance documents supplied by the pilot, along with the airplane's weight and balance records, disclosed that the airplane was 40 pounds over the allowable gross weight at the time of the accident.

Performance Data

Consulting the performance data contained in the airplane's operating handbook revealed that the airplane would have required considerably more runway than what was available to clear obstructions at the end of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jul 1990 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Cantwell, AK?

The pilot reported the airplane did not climb as anticipated and settled into brush shortly after departure. Weight and balance documents showed it was 40 pounds over maximum gross weight, and performance data indicated insufficient runway to clear obstructions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jul 1990 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N25759, operated by Vernair, Inc., at Cantwell, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT FAILED TO UNDERSTAND THE PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS OF THE AIRPLANE AND HIS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS OPERATING THE AIRPLANE AT A GREATER THAN ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23573. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.