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Casualties unknown

Takeoff Collision with Trees Following Stall (N9900V)

Conroe, TX, US

On June 1, 2003, a Cessna 172M (registration N9900V) was involved in an aviation accident near Conroe, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain/maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush. 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

During a takeoff in high temperature (35°C) with density altitude above 2,300 ft, a certified flight instructor took over due to performance concerns. After rotation, the stall warning sounded, the airplane stalled and banked left. Despite control inputs and abort attempt, it collided with trees at 40 ft AGL.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during takeoff when the airplane collided with trees. The outside temperature was high, approximately 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in a density altitude above 2,300 feet.

Sequence of Events

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was aboard. Concerned about the airplane's takeoff performance due to the high density altitude, the CFI decided to perform the takeoff himself rather than allowing the student to do so. After rotation, the CFI heard the stall warning horn sound. He lowered the nose in an attempt to gain airspeed while in ground effect. However, the airplane stalled and banked to the left. The CFI applied right aileron and full right rudder, but the airplane continued to veer left of the runway. Recognizing the loss of control and that the airplane was headed toward trees, the CFI pulled the power to idle and attempted to abort the takeoff. The airplane collided with trees while still 40 feet above ground level (AGL).

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 2003 Cessna 172M accident near Conroe, TX?

During a takeoff in high temperature (35°C) with density altitude above 2,300 ft, a certified flight instructor took over due to performance concerns. After rotation, the stall warning sounded, the airplane stalled and banked left. Despite control inputs and abort attempt, it collided with trees at 40 ft AGL.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 2003 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9900V, at Conroe, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain/maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030605X00803. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.