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Aborted Takeoff Followed by Stall and Tree Strike on Grass Runway (N2888X)

Napoleon, MI, US

On June 25, 1992, a Cessna 177 (registration N2888X) operated by Charles E. King was involved in an aviation accident near Napoleon, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADVERTENT STALL ON 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

A pilot aborted the first takeoff on a 2575-foot grass runway. On the second attempt, the aircraft became airborne, but witnesses observed a stall-like attitude. The pilot felt buffeting and attempted to maneuver; the aircraft then hit the ground, skidded across a road, and hit a tree.

Event Details

During the second takeoff attempt from the 2575-foot grass Runway 27, the aircraft lifted off. The pilot had earlier aborted the first takeoff attempt on the same runway. The runway surface was grass, and the departure end featured trees at least 69 feet tall.

Witness and Pilot Observations

Witnesses described the aircraft as 'flying in ground effect' and 'appeared to be in a stalled attitude.' The pilot later stated that he 'felt the aircraft buffeting like it was going to stall.' This prompted him to attempt a maneuver.

Impact and Environmental Factors

The aircraft struck the ground, skidded across a road, and collided with a tree. The wind was reported as 360 degrees at 4 knots, a light northerly breeze. The presence of tall trees off the departure end of the runway was noted.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jun 1992 Cessna 177 accident near Napoleon, MI?

A pilot aborted the first takeoff on a 2575-foot grass runway. On the second attempt, the aircraft became airborne, but witnesses observed a stall-like attitude. The pilot felt buffeting and attempted to maneuver; the aircraft then hit the ground, skidded across a road, and hit a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jun 1992 involved a Cessna 177, registration N2888X, operated by Charles E. King, at Napoleon, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN INADVERTENT STALL ON TAKEOFF.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14824. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.