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Cessna Overweight at High Density Altitude Experiences Takeoff Difficulty and Stall (N2361F)

Saratoga, WY, US

On July 29, 2005, a Cessna 210E (registration N2361F) was involved in an aviation accident near Saratoga, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and the pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation. Contributing factors include the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush, the pilot's failure to calculate a weight… 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

During takeoff at a high density altitude, an overweight Cessna airplane struggled to rotate, then stalled after encountering a crosswind, resulting in a hard landing with substantial damage. FAA inspection found no mechanical anomalies.

Takeoff and Climb

During the takeoff roll, the airplane experienced difficulty in rotating. Despite the challenge, the airplane eventually lifted off, and the pilot reported raising the landing gear. As the aircraft climbed, it encountered a crosswind, causing it to "stalled and dropped quickly to the ground."

Impact and Damage

The airplane struck the ground and slid for approximately 100 feet, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the airplane's systems conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed no anomalies.

Weight and Density Altitude

The takeoff weight was calculated at 3,260 pounds. According to the Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook, the maximum gross weight for the airplane is 3,100 pounds. The density altitude at the time of departure was calculated to be approximately 10,150 feet.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jul 2005 Cessna 210E accident near Saratoga, WY?

During takeoff at a high density altitude, an overweight Cessna airplane struggled to rotate, then stalled after encountering a crosswind, resulting in a hard landing with substantial damage. FAA inspection found no mechanical anomalies.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jul 2005 involved a Cessna 210E, registration N2361F, at Saratoga, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and the pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation. Contributing factors include the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush, the pilot's failure to calculate a weight and balance, and the high density altitude.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050906X01384. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.