No fatalities

Instructor Aborts Takeoff After Landing Gear Strikes Runway, Airplane Noses Over in Muddy Field (N7627T)

David City, NE, US

On April 18, 1996, a Cessna 172 (registration N7627T) was involved in an aviation accident near David City, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the instructor pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft during a soft field takeoff. Factors were the gusting winds and the soft field. 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 a soft field takeoff, the airplane became airborne at about 50 mph, stall warning sounded, then the right landing gear and wingtip struck the runway. The instructor aborted, veering into a muddy beanfield where the airplane nosed over.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor reported a takeoff incident during a soft field takeoff practice. Prior to the takeoff, the instructor set 10 degrees of flaps and used left aileron input to compensate for a left crosswind. The reported wind conditions were from 290 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

Takeoff Sequence

As the airplane accelerated, it became airborne at approximately 50 miles per hour. Shortly after lift-off, the stall warning horn activated. The instructor responded by easing the nose over to increase airspeed.

Ground Contact and Abort

A couple of seconds after the nose was lowered, the right landing gear made contact with the runway. Subsequently, the right wingtip struck a runway marker cone. The left landing gear then contacted the ground hard, prompting the instructor to abort the takeoff.

Outcome

The airplane veered off the runway and entered a muddy beanfield, where it nosed over. No further details about occupants, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

Probable Cause

The source did not assign a probable cause for the incident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Apr 1996 Cessna 172 accident near David City, NE?

During a soft field takeoff, the airplane became airborne at about 50 mph, stall warning sounded, then the right landing gear and wingtip struck the runway. The instructor aborted, veering into a muddy beanfield where the airplane nosed over.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Apr 1996 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Apr 1996 involved a Cessna 172, registration N7627T, at David City, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the instructor pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft during a soft field takeoff. Factors were the gusting winds and the soft field.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05535. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.