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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Impact with Trees During Initial Climb from Grass Strip (N1606F)

Isle, MN, US

On July 18, 2003, a Cessna 172H (registration N1606F) was involved in an aviation accident near Isle, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. The trees, high density altitude, and the soft field were additional factors. 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 was substantially damaged after impacting trees and terrain during initial climb from a grass airstrip. The pilot had departed with full fuel and three passengers. A passenger reported a right bank followed by descent into trees. No flight control or engine anomalies were found. Seat belt stitching was noted as non-standard.

Accident Details

An airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck trees and terrain during the initial climb from a grass airstrip. The pilot had attempted to depart with full fuel and three passengers for a local flight. According to a passenger aboard, the airplane banked to the right and then descended into the trees during the climb.

Environmental Conditions

Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The approximate density altitude was 2,339 feet above mean sea level, with 50 percent humidity.

Damage and Wreckage Examination

Damage to the airplane was consistent with a nose-down, low-speed impact. Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the flight control system or the engine.

Seat Belt Findings

The airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The seat belts present had stitching that was not consistent with a manufactured product. Specifically, the stitching on the right rear passenger seat belt had separated at the lower attach point.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 2003 Cessna 172H accident near Isle, MN?

An airplane was substantially damaged after impacting trees and terrain during initial climb from a grass airstrip. The pilot had departed with full fuel and three passengers. A passenger reported a right bank followed by descent into trees. No flight control or engine anomalies were found. Seat belt stitching was…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N1606F, at Isle, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. The trees, high density altitude, and the soft field were additional factors.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030722X01163. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.