Casualties unknown

Cessna 172 Strikes Tundra After Flap Mismanagement During Takeoff (N5339H)

Twin Hills, AK, US

On July 23, 1992, a Cessna 172 (registration N5339H) operated by Yute Air Alaska, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Twin Hills, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND NOT FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURES OUTLINED IN THE PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172 pilot inadvertently selected full flap retraction during initial climb after noticing an abnormally high nose attitude at liftoff due to full flaps selected. The aircraft struck the tundra and stopped.

Takeoff Flap Selection

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane's nose was higher than normal at liftoff. Upon checking the flap indicator, the pilot realized that full flaps had been selected. According to the Cessna 172 Pilot's Operating Handbook, the use of ten degrees of flaps is reserved for takeoffs from soft or rough fields. The handbook further states that flaps should not be retracted during the initial climb.

Attempted Flap Retraction

After identifying the incorrect flap setting, the pilot attempted to retract some of the flaps. However, the pilot accidentally selected full flap retraction (flaps up). The airplane subsequently hit the tundra and came to a stop.

Aircraft and Operation

The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172. No further details regarding the operator, location, or date of the incident were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15027. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.