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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Stalls During Takeoff from Private Airstrip, Destroyed in Post-Impact Fire (N19770)

Rosamond, CA, US

On March 7, 2003, a Cessna 172L (registration N19770) was involved in an aviation accident near Rosamond, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a stall and impact with flat level terrain. Also causal was the pilot's impaired judgment due to recent use of cocaine, and ethanol. 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

An airplane stalled during initial climb from a private dirt airstrip, struck the ground in a right-wing-low attitude, and tumbled. The aircraft was destroyed in the subsequent fire. No mechanical anomalies were found.

Accident Overview

An airplane operating a departure from a private dirt airstrip experienced a stall during the initial climb phase. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain in a right wing, nose low attitude and tumbled. The wreckage was consumed by a post-impact fire, resulting in the destruction of the airframe.

Wreckage and Impact Analysis

Examination of the ground scars and impact signatures on the wreckage confirmed the sequence of events leading to the collision with terrain. Power lines were noted at the departure end of the runway, but no further details regarding their involvement were provided.

Mechanical Examination

A thorough inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. All systems appeared functional prior to impact.

Toxicology Report

Toxicological analysis detected cocaine in the pilot's blood, indicating use within the 4 to 6 hours preceding the accident. Additionally, cocaethylene—a substance formed only when cocaine and ethanol are present simultaneously—was found in the pilot's liver.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Mar 2003 Cessna 172L accident near Rosamond, CA?

An airplane stalled during initial climb from a private dirt airstrip, struck the ground in a right-wing-low attitude, and tumbled. The aircraft was destroyed in the subsequent fire. No mechanical anomalies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Mar 2003 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N19770, at Rosamond, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a stall and impact with flat level terrain. Also causal was the pilot's impaired judgment due to recent use of cocaine, and ethanol.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030315X00340. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.