Casualties unknown

Beach Departure Ends with Landing Gear Sheared Off (N8969V)

Anchor Point, AK, US

On April 26, 1998, a Cessna 172M (registration N8969V) operated by Gregory W. Champion was involved in an aviation accident near Anchor Point, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind. A related factor was the crosswind. 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 and three passengers departed from a sand/gravel beach in a single-engine airplane. During takeoff, a crosswind caused the aircraft to veer right, striking a shoreline embankment and shearing off the right main landing gear.

Departure

The pilot and three passengers began the flight from a sand/gravel beach, with the wind blowing from the south at 7 to 10 knots. The pilot initiated the takeoff toward the west, employing a short field takeoff technique.

The Accident

Just after lift off, the airplane encountered a crosswind from the left. The aircraft veered to the right, heading toward a small bluff. The right main landing gear struck a shoreline embankment, shearing it off. The airplane continued and came to rest in a small pool of water.

Aftermath

The airplane came to a stop in a small pool of water with the right main landing gear detached. No further details about the condition of the occupants or the aircraft were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Apr 1998 Cessna 172M accident near Anchor Point, AK?

A pilot and three passengers departed from a sand/gravel beach in a single-engine airplane. During takeoff, a crosswind caused the aircraft to veer right, striking a shoreline embankment and shearing off the right main landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N8969V, operated by Gregory W. Champion, at Anchor Point, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind. A related factor was the crosswind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09797. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.