Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Hangar During Takeoff from Alfalfa Field (N70522)

Chadron, NE, US

On August 2, 2003, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N70522) was involved in an aviation accident near Chadron, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate preflight planning by the pilot to ensure the required takeoff distance was utilized, as well as a failure to abort the takeoff. Contributing factors were the uphill gradient and the hangar. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was substantially damaged after striking a hangar during takeoff from an alfalfa field. The pilot reported insufficient distance and a rising terrain, with no pre-accident mechanical issues.

Accident Details

The accident occurred when the airplane impacted a hangar immediately after takeoff from an alfalfa field. According to the pilot, the takeoff was initiated from a point approximately 730 feet away from the hangar. The pilot stated that he believed he had left sufficient distance for the takeoff roll and initial climb, but at a point three-quarters of the way to the hangar, he realized he would not be able to clear the obstacles. He attempted to maintain a nose-up attitude but could not gain enough altitude. The airplane struck the hangar just left of center and then fell back to the ground, resulting in substantial damage.

Environmental Conditions

The field was approximately one mile square and surrounded by a barbed-wire fence. The takeoff path sloped upward about 10 feet. Winds in the vicinity were reported from the south at 8 knots. Temperature and dew point were 22 degrees Celsius and the altimeter setting was 29.98 inches of mercury. Density altitude was calculated as 4,847 feet.

Pilot and Regulatory Information

The pilot reported no malfunctions with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident. Federal regulations require the pilot-in-command to review takeoff distance data prior to flight to ensure sufficient runway distance is available. No additional information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or date was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030804X01259. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.