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Aircraft Collision with Power Lines After Takeoff (N20466)

Carson City, NV, US

On July 19, 2001, a Cessna 172M (registration N20466) was involved in an aviation accident near Carson City, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the approved procedures for the aircraft when he attempted to takeoff at high density altitude with the wing flaps fully extended. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot with a revoked certificate took off at slow speed with full flaps, struck power lines, and crashed 3 miles from the airport. The pilot later identified himself using another pilot's certificate number.

Witness Observations and Flight Path During the departure, another pilot observed the aircraft flying at a slow speed and appearing to struggle to climb. The airplane was approximately 100 feet above the runway with its wing flaps fully extended. The witness noted that the engine did not appear to be operating at full power. As the aircraft continued its trajectory, it began to sink and disappeared from view behind hangars. The density altitude at the time was approximately 7,000 feet. The aircraft subsequently struck electrical power transmission wires at the departure end of the runway and crashed three miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 2001 Cessna 172M accident near Carson City, NV?

A pilot with a revoked certificate took off at slow speed with full flaps, struck power lines, and crashed 3 miles from the airport. The pilot later identified himself using another pilot's certificate number.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 2001 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N20466, at Carson City, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow the approved procedures for the aircraft when he attempted to takeoff at high density altitude with the wing flaps fully extended.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010725X01511. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.