No fatalities

Takeoff Aborted After Pilot Reports Insufficient Power, Aircraft Noses Over (N738SZ)

Greenville, SC, US

On September 25, 1997, a Cessna 172N (registration N738SZ) operated by Mark Christopher was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper use of the elevator control and delayed liftoff during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise, collision with the runway, and collapse of the nose gear as he aborted the takeoff. 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

A pilot aborted a takeoff upon feeling insufficient power after liftoff. The aircraft descended nose-first, struck the runway with its nose gear, and nosed over. A witness observed porpoising before the collision. No mechanical issues were found.

Event Summary

The pilot reported that the takeoff started from the approach end of runway 36 with full power applied. At approximately the midfield point, the aircraft lifted off. However, the pilot did not sense adequate power for a safe takeoff and elected to abort. He stated he reduced the power fully, causing the aircraft to descend nose first. The nose gear subsequently collided with the runway, and the aircraft nosed over.

Witness Observation

A witness on the ground stated that during the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to porpoise before the nose gear struck the runway surface.

Aircraft Examination

A post-incident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical discrepancies. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the aircraft during the attempted takeoff.

Performance Reference

According to the pilot operating handbook, the normal takeoff ground run distance is approximately 478 feet. The runway available was 5,393 feet in length.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 1997 Cessna 172N accident near Greenville, SC?

A pilot aborted a takeoff upon feeling insufficient power after liftoff. The aircraft descended nose-first, struck the runway with its nose gear, and nosed over. A witness observed porpoising before the collision. No mechanical issues were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Sept 1997 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 1997 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N738SZ, operated by Mark Christopher, at Greenville, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper use of the elevator control and delayed liftoff during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent porpoise, collision with the runway, and collapse of the nose gear as he aborted the takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08792. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.