FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Collision with Trees During Takeoff from Snow-Covered Terrain (N9383C)

Ophir, AK, US

On March 7, 2001, a Cessna 180 (registration N9383C) was involved in an aviation accident near Ophir, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his inadequate preflight planning/preparation resulting in a collision with trees during the initial climb. 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 commercial pilot in a wheel/ski-equipped airplane struck trees during initial climb after takeoff from crusty snow. The left horizontal stabilizer hit a spruce tree, leading to a descending turn and subsequent tree collisions during an emergency landing.

Events

A commercial certificated pilot conducted a landing on snow-covered terrain in a wheel/ski-equipped airplane. After landing, the surface of the snow became crusty. The pilot subsequently initiated a takeoff run toward the south. The airplane did not become airborne until it was within approximately 50 yards from several trees.

During the initial climb, the left horizontal stabilizer collided with a spruce tree about 25 feet above the ground. Following the collision, the airplane began a descending left turn toward the ground. While the pilot was performing an emergency landing, the airplane collided with several trees.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the left main landing gear, the wings, and the left stabilizer.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Mar 2001 Cessna 180 accident near Ophir, AK?

A commercial pilot in a wheel/ski-equipped airplane struck trees during initial climb after takeoff from crusty snow. The left horizontal stabilizer hit a spruce tree, leading to a descending turn and subsequent tree collisions during an emergency landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Mar 2001 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Mar 2001 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9383C, at Ophir, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his inadequate preflight planning/preparation resulting in a collision with trees during the initial climb. Factors in the accident were soft, snow-covered terrain, and trees in the area of departure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010330X00679. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.