Casualties unknown

Pilot Error Cited in Takeoff Accident Involving Wire Fence Strike on Private Grass Strip (N8529U)

Union Center, SD, US

On January 19, 1992, a Cessna 172 (registration N8529U) was involved in an aviation accident near Union Center, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that his error of keeping the power in too long caused the accident, as he thought the airplane would clear the fence. 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

During takeoff from a private grass strip, an airplane struck a wire fence at about 2 feet after lifting off, coming to rest in a field. The pilot attributed the accident to his own error of keeping the power in too long.

Accident Details

During the takeoff roll, the airplane had just lifted off and was at an estimated 2 feet above the ground when it struck a wire fence. After striking the fence, the airplane came to rest in a field. The accident occurred on a 2,800-foot-long private grass strip located on the pilot's property.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that the weather was unseasonably warm, with a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit in January, and that the ground was soft due to thawing conditions. The pilot stated, "It was my error," and indicated that he kept the power in too long, thinking the airplane would clear the fence.

Weather Conditions

According to the pilot, the weather was unseasonably warm for January, with temperatures around 60 degrees. The ground was soft as a result of thawing, which may have affected the takeoff performance.

Location

The accident occurred on a private grass strip measuring 2,800 feet in length, located on the pilot's property.

Probable cause

The pilot stated that his error of keeping the power in too long caused the accident, as he thought the airplane would clear the fence.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jan 1992 Cessna 172 accident near Union Center, SD?

During takeoff from a private grass strip, an airplane struck a wire fence at about 2 feet after lifting off, coming to rest in a field. The pilot attributed the accident to his own error of keeping the power in too long.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jan 1992 involved a Cessna 172, registration N8529U, at Union Center, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot stated that his error of keeping the power in too long caused the accident, as he thought the airplane would clear the fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13973. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.