Casualties unknown

Swiss Pilot Reports Nose-Over After Departure from Off-Airport Site (N2958K)

Kotzebue, AK, US

On June 21, 1999, a Cessna 180K (registration N2958K) was involved in an aviation accident near Kotzebue, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. 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 Swiss pilot reported that his airplane veered left during takeoff from a 1,700-foot off-airport site, then nosed over after pivoting. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Wind was from the southeast at 10 knots.

Accident Overview

A Swiss foreign national pilot, holding a Swiss airline transport certificate, was attempting a southeasterly departure from an off-airport site with a 1,700-foot takeoff area. During the early stages of the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder in an attempt to correct the deviation, but the airplane continued off the left side of the site. It then pivoted 90 degrees to the left and nosed over.

Damage and Aircraft Modifications

The pilot stated that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and lift struts. He also reported that the airplane had recently been retrofitted with oversized tundra tires. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were noted.

Wind Conditions

Wind conditions at the time of the accident were reported as from the southeast at 10 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1999 Cessna 180K accident near Kotzebue, AK?

A Swiss pilot reported that his airplane veered left during takeoff from a 1,700-foot off-airport site, then nosed over after pivoting. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Wind was from the southeast at 10 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1999 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N2958K, at Kotzebue, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18916. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.