No fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Fence During Rejected Soft Field Takeoff (N78234)

Ocala, FL, US

On July 28, 2001, a Cessna 182Q (registration N78234) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocala, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to properly judge takeoff distance, and his delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with a fence at the end of the runway, and incurring substantial damage. 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

Pilot attempted soft field takeoff but aircraft failed to accelerate. With one-third runway remaining, brakes were ineffective. Pilot aimed for fence, added power to jump, but struck fence with undercarriage and tail, causing substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that during a soft field takeoff attempt, the aircraft failed to accelerate in ground effect. According to the pilot, with approximately one-third of the runway remaining, he believed he could easily stop the aircraft. However, when the brakes were applied, the aircraft did not slow.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated he then aimed for what appeared to be the lowest part of the fence ahead. He was about to pull the mixture when he decided instead to add power and jump the fence. The aircraft subsequently struck the fence with its undercarriage and tail, resulting in substantial damage.

Prior to the accident, the pilot reported no mechanical failure or malfunction of the aircraft or any of its systems. Five people were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 2001 Cessna 182Q accident near Ocala, FL?

Pilot attempted soft field takeoff but aircraft failed to accelerate. With one-third runway remaining, brakes were ineffective. Pilot aimed for fence, added power to jump, but struck fence with undercarriage and tail, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jul 2001 Cessna 182Q accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 2001 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N78234, at Ocala, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to properly judge takeoff distance, and his delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with a fence at the end of the runway, and incurring substantial damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010813X01675. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.