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Casualties unknown

Tailwind Takeoff Ends in Left Turn and Ground Impact (N4762D)

Tuntutuliak, AK, US

On June 23, 2000, a Cessna 172N (registration N4762D) was involved in an aviation accident near Tuntutuliak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's disregard of the existing wind conditions, and an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident are a tailwind, and wind gusts. 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

During a tailwind takeoff from a gravel runway, the airplane lifted off near the departure end, turned left, and dropped sharply to the ground with no preaccident anomalies found.

Runway and Conditions

The accident occurred on a gravel runway measuring 1,800 feet long by 28 feet wide. The airport was equipped with an operable windsock. The pilot departed with a tailwind from the right of 15 knots, gusting to 30 knots.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the airplane lifted off the ground approximately 200 feet from the departure end of the runway. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane turned left and dropped sharply to the ground.

Postaccident Examination

The passenger did not describe any preaccident anomalies, and postaccident inspection revealed no anomalies with the airplane, powerplant, or accessories. The surrounding vegetation was undisturbed except for the immediate footprint of the airplane.

Aerodynamic stall

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jun 2000 Cessna 172N accident near Tuntutuliak, AK?

During a tailwind takeoff from a gravel runway, the airplane lifted off near the departure end, turned left, and dropped sharply to the ground with no preaccident anomalies found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jun 2000 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4762D, at Tuntutuliak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's disregard of the existing wind conditions, and an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident are a tailwind, and wind gusts.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21133. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.