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Pilot loses control during takeoff on narrow gravel road (N5942H)

Park City, MT, US

On July 20, 2005, a Piper PA-16 (registration N5942H) operated by Patricia H. Bruck was involved in an aviation accident near Park City, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to use a gravel road that was too narrow for the aircraft's wingspan, leading to loss of directional control and collision with terrain obstacles. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to use a narrow gravel road for takeoff, misjudging the width relative to the aircraft's wingspan. The plane veered off the surface, struck a ditch and fence, resulting in significant structural damage.

What happened

The pilot assessed the available runway length by measuring the north-south gravel road, determining it to be 36 feet wide. Noting that the aircraft's wingspan measured 30 feet, the pilot decided to utilize this road for a southbound takeoff. The road surface was crowned and sloped downhill, with telephone wires running along the eastern edge.

During the ground roll, the pilot attempted to maintain a position on the right side of the loose gravel surface. However, the aircraft departed the road, entering a bordering ditch. From there, it moved into an adjacent wheat field, where it ground-looped across the road before colliding with a fence.

The investigation

Post-accident examination revealed extensive damage to the airframe and propulsion system. The outboard section of the left wing was damaged, along with the left forward wing lift strut. The left landing gear assembly sustained significant impact damage, as did the propeller.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to use a gravel road that was too narrow for the aircraft's wingspan, leading to loss of directional control and collision with terrain obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jul 2005 Piper PA-16 accident near Park City, MT?

A pilot attempted to use a narrow gravel road for takeoff, misjudging the width relative to the aircraft's wingspan. The plane veered off the surface, struck a ditch and fence, resulting in significant structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jul 2005 Piper PA-16 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jul 2005 involved a Piper PA-16, registration N5942H, operated by Patricia H. Bruck, at Park City, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to use a gravel road that was too narrow for the aircraft's wingspan, leading to loss of directional control and collision with terrain obstacles.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050801X01126. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.