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Aborted Touch and Go Ends in Collision with Drainage Ditch (N739NN)

Big Bear, CA, US

On June 10, 1995, a Cessna 172N (registration N739NN) operated by EL Toro Marine Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Big Bear, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff attempt, which was necessitated by his failure to properly lean the fuel mixture. The pilot's limited experience in small piston engine airplanes was a factor in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch and go landing, the pilot aborted after deciding insufficient runway remained, causing the aircraft to veer off and strike a drainage ditch. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Sequence

The pilot was performing a touch and go landing at a mountain resort airport. He touched down within the first third of the runway, then applied full power, retracted the flaps, and set the mixture control to full rich. During the ground roll, the pilot determined that insufficient runway remained to complete the takeoff and aborted the maneuver. The aircraft then veered off the runway and collided with a drainage ditch.

Airport Conditions

The airport is situated at an elevation of 6,748 feet mean sea level. The runway is 5,850 feet long. The density altitude at the time of the accident was estimated to be 8,900 feet.

Pilot Background

The pilot is a military aviator assigned to fly large turbine-powered helicopters. He has limited experience operating small piston-engine airplanes.

Mechanical Findings

According to the operator, no mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified or claimed by the pilot.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jun 1995 Cessna 172N accident near Big Bear, CA?

During a touch and go landing, the pilot aborted after deciding insufficient runway remained, causing the aircraft to veer off and strike a drainage ditch. No mechanical issues were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jun 1995 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N739NN, operated by EL Toro Marine Aero Club, at Big Bear, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff attempt, which was necessitated by his failure to properly lean the fuel mixture. The pilot's limited experience in small piston engine airplanes was a factor in the accident.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03763. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.