Casualties unknown

Runway Impact During Takeoff After Stall at 50 Feet (N739VN)

Sidney, NE, US

On August 4, 2002, a Cessna 172N (registration N739VN) was involved in an aviation accident near Sidney, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining sufficient airspeed during the takeoff, and the inadvertent stall encountered by the pilot. The low altitude was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 was damaged when it impacted the runway during takeoff. The pilot reported a stall at about 50 feet, causing the aircraft to settle back onto the runway, striking the left wing. No mechanical failure was noted.

Incident Overview

The accident occurred during the takeoff phase when the airplane sustained damage after impacting the runway. According to the pilot, the aircraft lifted off at an airspeed of 65 knots and began climbing normally. However, upon reaching an altitude of approximately 50 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a stall. The pilot described that the aircraft "went into a stall [and] settled back to [the] runway striking [the] left wing."

Pilot Statement

The pilot provided a detailed account of the sequence of events. After initiating the climb, the aircraft unexpectedly stalled at a low altitude. The subsequent descent resulted in contact with the runway, with the left wing striking the surface. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions during the flight.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the incident, a thorough examination of the airplane was conducted. No preexisting anomalies or mechanical failures were discovered. The pilot's report also indicated the absence of any mechanical issues, corroborating the findings of the post-accident inspection.

Documentation

The investigation report documented the pilot's statement and the results of the post-accident examination. The airplane's damage was consistent with a runway impact during a stall recovery attempt at low altitude.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 2002 Cessna 172N accident near Sidney, NE?

An airplane was damaged when it impacted the runway during takeoff. The pilot reported a stall at about 50 feet, causing the aircraft to settle back onto the runway, striking the left wing. No mechanical failure was noted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N739VN, at Sidney, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining sufficient airspeed during the takeoff, and the inadvertent stall encountered by the pilot. The low altitude was a factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020813X01374. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.