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Float-equipped aircraft crashes into trees shortly after takeoff due to premature flap retraction (N5482K)

Greenville, ME, US

On July 1, 1994, a Cessna 172P (registration N5482K) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature retraction of the wing flaps, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot operating a float-equipped airplane reported that raising the wing flaps immediately after takeoff caused a sudden loss of lift, resulting in a crash into nearby trees.

What happened

The pilot of a float-equipped airplane reported that shortly after takeoff, he raised the wing flaps. At this time, there was a loss of lift and the airplane 'mushed' into the trees. He said that the performance of the airplane was marginal when equipped with the floats. He reported the winds as 8 to 10 knots.

The investigation

The pilot stated that the performance of the airplane was marginal when equipped with the floats. He reported the winds as 8 to 10 knots.

Findings

The pilot's statement indicates that the premature retraction of the flaps contributed to the accident. The pilot also noted that the performance of the airplane was marginal when equipped with the floats.

Probable cause

The pilot's premature retraction of the wing flaps, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jul 1994 Cessna 172P accident near Greenville, ME?

A pilot operating a float-equipped airplane reported that raising the wing flaps immediately after takeoff caused a sudden loss of lift, resulting in a crash into nearby trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jul 1994 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N5482K, at Greenville, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's premature retraction of the wing flaps, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision 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/20001206X01825. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.