Casualties unknown

Loss of Control During Takeoff Climb from Grass Airstrip (N6057R)

Bowdon, ND, US

On August 16, 2003, a Cessna 172G (registration N6057R) was involved in an aviation accident near Bowdon, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which led to a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience, the crosswind condition, wind gusts and power lines. 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

A student pilot experienced a loss of control during takeoff climb from a private grass airstrip. The aircraft impacted terrain after a stall warning and evasive maneuver, resulting in substantial damage.

Summary

The airplane sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during the takeoff climb from a private grass airstrip. The student pilot provided a report detailing the sequence of events that led to the impact with terrain.

Pilot Report

The student pilot reported that he initiated the takeoff from the grass airstrip heading southwest. A left crosswind was present during the departure. After the airplane climbed above the tree line, the pilot turned to the west. Shortly after this turn, the stall warning horn sounded. The pilot then leveled the wings in response to the stall warning. Observing power lines ahead, the pilot executed a right turn to avoid them. However, the airplane subsequently impacted the terrain.

Aircraft Damage

The official source states that the airplane was substantially damaged as a result of the accident. No further details about the specific damage or the aircraft type were provided.

Additional Information

The pilot was a student pilot at the time of the accident. The airstrip was described as a private grass strip. The source did not specify the date, location, or other environmental conditions beyond the left crosswind and the presence of trees and power lines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 2003 Cessna 172G accident near Bowdon, ND?

A student pilot experienced a loss of control during takeoff climb from a private grass airstrip. The aircraft impacted terrain after a stall warning and evasive maneuver, resulting in substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 2003 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N6057R, at Bowdon, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which led to a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience, the crosswind condition, wind gusts and power lines.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030819X01366. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.