Casualties unknown

Pilot Diverts to Grass Strip, Strikes Tree During Takeoff (N7437A)

Milford, NY, US

On June 20, 1998, a Cessna 172R (registration N7437A) was involved in an aviation accident near Milford, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to intentionally fly below wires, which resulted in the collision with trees. A factor in the accident was the soft grass airstrip. 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 diverted to a private grass strip due to fog, then during takeoff hit a soft spot, dove under wires, struck a tree, and crash-landed in a field. No stall warning was heard.

Incident Details

A pilot diverted to a private grass strip to wait for fog to clear at the intended destination. The grass strip was not the original airport.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, the pilot felt the airplane encounter a soft spot on the runway. Believing he was too close to the end of the strip to abort the takeoff, the pilot continued. During the initial climb, the pilot felt he could not clear electrical wires ahead, so he decided to dive the airplane under them. While executing this maneuver, the airplane struck a tree and subsequently crash-landed in a field.

Pilot's Observations

The pilot reported that he did not hear a stall warning horn at any point during the takeoff and climb. No other mechanical anomalies were mentioned in the narrative.

Additional Notes

The specific aircraft type, registration, operator, date, and location were not provided in the source. No injuries or other damage were specified.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jun 1998 Cessna 172R accident near Milford, NY?

A pilot diverted to a private grass strip due to fog, then during takeoff hit a soft spot, dove under wires, struck a tree, and crash-landed in a field. No stall warning was heard.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jun 1998 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N7437A, at Milford, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to intentionally fly below wires, which resulted in the collision with trees. A factor in the accident was the soft grass airstrip.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10401. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.