Casualties unknown

Aircraft Damaged After Brush Strike During Takeoff from Dry Lake Bed (N9407C)

Fort Yukon, AK, US

On August 21, 1995, a Cessna 180 (registration N9407C) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Yukon, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF AN UNSUITABLE TAKEOFF AREA. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting to take off from a dry lake bed struck willow bushes with the right wing, causing the aircraft to veer and collapse the left main gear.

Accident Overview

A pilot landed on a dry lake bed to provide assistance to another pilot whose airplane was stuck in mud. After completing the assistance, the accident pilot initiated a takeoff from the same location. During the takeoff roll, the right wing of the airplane struck tall willow bushes. The airplane then veered to the right and subsequently began to slide left with the nose pointing to the right. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground.

Sequence of Events

The pilot intentionally landed on a dry lake bed to help the pilot of another aircraft that had become mired in mud. Following the aid, the accident pilot attempted to take off. As the airplane accelerated during the takeoff roll, the right wing contacted tall willow bushes. This contact caused the airplane to veer to the right. The airplane then transitioned into a lateral slide to the left while the nose remained oriented to the right. The left main landing gear failed and collapsed, resulting in the left wing contacting the ground.

Aircraft Damage

The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. Additional damage likely occurred due to the impact with the terrain and the earlier contact with the willow bushes. The extent of the damage is not specified in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Aug 1995 Cessna 180 accident near Fort Yukon, AK?

A pilot attempting to take off from a dry lake bed struck willow bushes with the right wing, causing the aircraft to veer and collapse the left main gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Aug 1995 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9407C, at Fort Yukon, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF AN UNSUITABLE TAKEOFF AREA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04140. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.