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Aborted Takeoff Leads to Runway Excursion at Schafer Airport (N1979C)

Schafer, MT, US

On July 27, 2003, a Cessna 170B (registration N1979C) operated by Craig Hanson was involved in an aviation accident near Schafer, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed remedial action during the takeoff roll. Factors include wet terrain, a fence and an embankment located at the end of the runway. 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

The pilot aborted takeoff due to insufficient lift; the aircraft skidded off the damp turf runway, through a fence, and down an embankment.

Accident Details

The pilot of an aircraft reported that he aborted the takeoff roll after determining that the airplane was not generating sufficient lift to safely take off and clear obstacles at the end of the runway. He applied heavy braking, but the airplane skidded off the departure end of the runway, through a fence, and down an embankment.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that he aborted the takeoff approximately halfway down the runway. He described the turf runway as damp at the time of the accident.

Runway Information

Schafer Airport, located at an elevation of 4,933 feet above mean sea level, has a single turf runway designated 07/25. The runway measures 3,200 feet in length and 60 feet in width.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 2003 Cessna 170B accident near Schafer, MT?

The pilot aborted takeoff due to insufficient lift; the aircraft skidded off the damp turf runway, through a fence, and down an embankment.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jul 2003 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N1979C, operated by Craig Hanson, at Schafer, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's delayed remedial action during the takeoff roll. Factors include wet terrain, a fence and an embankment located at the end of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030929X01611. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.