On October 3, 1993, a Cessna 180H (registration N9002M) operated by Hohenberger, Kirk J. was involved in an aviation accident near Denton, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, resulting in a ground impact shortly after departure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed a gravel service road into crosswinds, turned left, and crashed south of the runway within 300 feet.
What happened
The pilot initiated a westbound departure from a single-lane gravel service road. At the time of takeoff, wind conditions were reported as 20 knots from the west with gusts reaching 30 knots. Immediately after leaving the ground, the pilot executed a left turn. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft impacted the terrain while heading south. The initial point of impact was located approximately 300 feet south of the east-west oriented gravel road used for departure.
The investigation
No mechanical examination or technical analysis is provided in the source material regarding the condition of the aircraft prior to the event.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, resulting in a ground impact shortly after departure.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…