Casualties unknown

Pilot Without Takeoff Performance Calculations Makes Precautionary Landing; Aircraft Noses Over (N8178X)

Sunriver, OR, US

On August 20, 2000, a Cessna 172B (registration N8178X) was involved in an aviation accident near Sunriver, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to continue the takeoff after the aircraft failed to climb or accelerate immediately after the initial liftoff. 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

After an initial takeoff failure and a second rotation at higher airspeed, the pilot encountered downdrafts and chose to land straight ahead in marshy terrain, causing the nose wheel to sink and the aircraft to nosed over.

Takeoff Attempt

The pilot initiated a takeoff without having completed performance calculations for the high density altitude conditions. After the aircraft lifted off initially, it failed to climb or accelerate. The pilot decided to continue the takeoff by lowering the nose, allowing the aircraft to settle back onto the runway, and then rotating a second time at a higher indicated airspeed.

Encounter with Downdrafts

During the climb-out following the second liftoff, the aircraft entered an area of downdrafts. The pilot became concerned about clearing tall trees along the takeoff path and elected to make a precautionary landing straight ahead.

Landing and Nose-Over

The pilot successfully touched down, but the aircraft landed in a wet, marshy, swampy area. When the nose wheel contacted the soft terrain, it sank in, and the aircraft nosed over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 2000 Cessna 172B accident near Sunriver, OR?

After an initial takeoff failure and a second rotation at higher airspeed, the pilot encountered downdrafts and chose to land straight ahead in marshy terrain, causing the nose wheel to sink and the aircraft to nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 2000 involved a Cessna 172B, registration N8178X, at Sunriver, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper decision to continue the takeoff after the aircraft failed to climb or accelerate immediately after the initial liftoff. Factors were inadequate preflight planning, to include the pilot's failure to calculate takeoff performance data, trees off the departure end of the runway, a high density…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21872. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.