No fatalities

Pilot Compensates for Wind During Road Takeoff, Wing Hits Sign (N13834)

Superior, NE, US

On April 24, 1998, a Cessna 172M (registration N13834) was involved in an aviation accident near Superior, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a roadside sign during crosswind compensation while taking off from a road. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot taking off from a road encountered crosswind conditions that required rightward compensation. During this maneuver, the aircraft's right wing struck a roadside sign before the flight continued to its destination.

What happened

The pilot initiated a takeoff run along an eastbound road. During the acceleration phase, the aircraft was subjected to wind coming from the south. To maintain the desired flight path and counteract the crosswind component, the pilot applied right control input.

During this correction maneuver, the right wing of the aircraft made contact with a sign located alongside the roadway. Despite this impact, the pilot continued the takeoff roll without aborting the procedure. The remainder of the flight proceeded normally, and the pilot executed an uneventful landing at the intended destination airport.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a roadside sign during crosswind compensation while taking off from a road.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Apr 1998 Cessna 172M accident near Superior, NE?

A pilot taking off from a road encountered crosswind conditions that required rightward compensation. During this maneuver, the aircraft's right wing struck a roadside sign before the flight continued to its destination.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Apr 1998 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N13834, at Superior, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a roadside sign during crosswind compensation while taking off from a road.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09830. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.