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Casualties unknown

Turf Runway Grass and Moss Contribute to Tree Strike (N8100L)

Waldport, OR, US

On March 6, 2005, a Cessna 172H (registration N8100L) was involved in an aviation accident near Waldport, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude/clearance during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees. A factor was the tall grass on the turf runway, which slowed the airplane's acceleration during the takeoff roll. 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 pilot reported that heavy grass and moss on a 2,000-foot turf runway caused drag during takeoff, resulting in insufficient climb performance and a collision with trees at the runway's end.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's report, the aircraft was departing from a 2,000-foot-long turf runway that was covered with "heavy grass and moss." During the takeoff roll, the airplane "encountered considerable drag from the turf and moss on the runway." After becoming airborne, the pilot stated that "there was not enough speed or distance to climb over the trees at the end of the runway and the airplane clipped the tops of the trees."

Damage Description

The airplane came to rest nose down in the trees. The right wing was folded back against the fuselage, and the left wing sustained a large dent in its leading edge.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Mar 2005 Cessna 172H accident near Waldport, OR?

A pilot reported that heavy grass and moss on a 2,000-foot turf runway caused drag during takeoff, resulting in insufficient climb performance and a collision with trees at the runway's end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Mar 2005 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N8100L, at Waldport, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude/clearance during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees. A factor was the tall grass on the turf runway, which slowed the airplane's acceleration during the takeoff roll.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050406X00418. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.