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Private Pilot Aborts Takeoff After Insufficient Climb (N1856N)

Prince George, VA, US

On October 6, 1997, a Cessna 120 (registration N1856N) was involved in an aviation accident near Prince George, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadequate climb gradient and a subsequent aborted takeoff that led to the airplane nosing over. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot attempted a local flight from a grass strip but aborted the takeoff after climbing only four feet, resulting in a nose-over accident.

What happened

A private pilot departed from a private grass strip for a local flight. As the airplane rotated approximately 1000 to 1200 feet down the runway, it climbed to only 4 feet above the ground. After continuing down the runway for another 400 to 500 feet, the pilot elected to reduce power and abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down on loose dirt, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the takeoff performance and the subsequent abort decision. The aircraft failed to achieve a safe climb gradient during the initial phase of departure.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadequate climb gradient and a subsequent aborted takeoff that led to the airplane nosing over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Oct 1997 Cessna 120 accident near Prince George, VA?

A private pilot attempted a local flight from a grass strip but aborted the takeoff after climbing only four feet, resulting in a nose-over accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Oct 1997 involved a Cessna 120, registration N1856N, at Prince George, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadequate climb gradient and a subsequent aborted takeoff that led to the airplane nosing over.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09102. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.