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Casualties unknown

Light aircraft collides with terrain during left turn after takeoff (N1389D)

Wolf Creek, MT, US

On June 12, 1994, a Cessna 170A (registration N1389D) operated by Schneider, Gregory M. was involved in an aviation accident near Wolf Creek, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane colliding with trees. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot initiated a climbing left turn shortly after departing a grass strip, but the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear nearby terrain, resulting in a collision with trees on a hillside.

What happened

The pilot reported that shortly after departing from a grass strip, a climbing left turn was initiated. During this maneuver, the airplane did not climb sufficiently to clear the nearby terrain. The aircraft subsequently touched down on the side of a hill and collided with trees. The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.

Findings

The primary factor in this incident was the failure to maintain adequate altitude during the initial climb and turn phase. The aircraft impacted terrain shortly after takeoff, indicating insufficient performance or navigation relative to the surrounding topography.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane colliding with trees.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jun 1994 Cessna 170A accident near Wolf Creek, MT?

A pilot initiated a climbing left turn shortly after departing a grass strip, but the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear nearby terrain, resulting in a collision with trees on a hillside.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jun 1994 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N1389D, operated by Schneider, Gregory M., at Wolf Creek, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane colliding with trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01620. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.