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Casualties unknown

Cactus Collision During Takeoff Roll in Wilderness Clearing (N4462E)

Payson, AZ, US

On July 16, 2000, an Aeronca 7DC (registration N4462E) operated by Arizona Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Payson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. Contributing factors were the high density altitude and proximity to vegetation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 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

An airplane struck a cactus during takeoff roll in a wilderness clearing. The pilot lost control, resulting in a ground loop. The clearing was 800 ft by 50 ft at 2,380 ft elevation with light winds and 90°F temperature, yielding a density altitude of 4,800-5,000 ft.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff roll in a wilderness clearing, the airplane collided with a cactus. Following the impact, the pilot lost control of the airplane, which then ground-looped before coming to a stop.

Environmental Conditions

The clearing used for takeoff was approximately 800 feet long and 50 feet wide. Its elevation was about 2,380 feet above mean sea level. At the time of the accident, the wind was light and variable, and the outside air temperature was approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The computed density altitude at the site ranged between 4,800 and 5,000 feet.

Additional Details

The accident occurred during the takeoff phase, specifically during the ground roll. The cactus was located within the clearing. No further information about the aircraft or occupants was provided in the source.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 2000 Aeronca 7DC accident near Payson, AZ?

An airplane struck a cactus during takeoff roll in a wilderness clearing. The pilot lost control, resulting in a ground loop. The clearing was 800 ft by 50 ft at 2,380 ft elevation with light winds and 90°F temperature, yielding a density altitude of 4,800-5,000 ft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 2000 involved an Aeronca 7DC, registration N4462E, operated by Arizona Aviation, at Payson, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. Contributing factors were the high density altitude and proximity to vegetation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21512. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.