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Aircraft Settles Back on Runway, Veers Off at Closed New Cuyama Airport (N61602)

New Cuyama, CA, US

On July 2, 1995, a Cessna 172M (registration N61602) operated by Santa Barbara Pilot Center was involved in an aviation accident near New Cuyama, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed, his premature rotation, and his failure to maintain directional control when the aircraft settled back onto the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 takeoff, an aircraft lifted off but settled back onto the runway, then veered left into soft soil, collapsing the nose landing gear. The airport was closed indefinitely per NOTAM.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the aircraft rotated and became airborne, but quickly settled back onto the runway surface. The aircraft then veered left, departing the runway, and encountered soft soil. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed.

Airport Status

According to a review of the Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) file, a NOTAM had been issued in March indicating that the New Cuyama Airport was closed. The most current FAA Airport Facility Directory entry for the airport includes the remark: "AIRPORT CLOSED INDEFINITELY. RUNWAY 10-28 (HAS) NUMEROUS POTHOLES AND DEBRIS AND WEEDS."

Sequence of Events

The pilot initiated takeoff, rotated the aircraft, and achieved lift-off. However, the aircraft immediately settled back onto the runway. Subsequently, it veered left, exited the runway surface, and entered an area of soft soil. The nose landing gear collapsed during the excursion.

Conditions

The runway was noted to have numerous potholes, debris, and weeds, as documented in the airport directory. The airport was closed indefinitely at the time of the incident.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1995 Cessna 172M accident near New Cuyama, CA?

During takeoff, an aircraft lifted off but settled back onto the runway, then veered left into soft soil, collapsing the nose landing gear. The airport was closed indefinitely per NOTAM.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jul 1995 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1995 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N61602, operated by Santa Barbara Pilot Center, at New Cuyama, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed, his premature rotation, and his failure to maintain directional control when the aircraft settled back onto the runway. The pilot's selection of a closed airport for the takeoff attempt was a factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03990. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.