Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Low Power on Takeoff, Collides with Bank at End of Grass Strip (N8959G)

Minidoka, ID, US

On May 3, 2006, a Cessna A188B (registration N8959G) was involved in an aviation accident near Minidoka, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff. A berm at the end of the runway was a factor. 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

A pilot reported that during takeoff from a 2,200 ft grass strip, the engine sounded smooth but less loud than normal. Unable to achieve sufficient speed at normal liftoff point, the aircraft lifted off at the end of the strip but could not sustain flight, colliding with a 4-foot bank.

Occurrence Details

The pilot of an airplane reported that during the takeoff roll, the engine sounded smooth but was not as loud as "normal." The tail was lifted from the runway surface at the "normal" point, but sufficient speed for takeoff was not obtained at the "normal" liftoff point. The pilot stated that after running the entire length of the 2,200-foot grass strip, he was able to lift off; however, he was unable to "sustain flight." The aircraft then collided with a 4-foot bank at the departure end of the runway. The aircraft came to rest approximately 100 yards from the departure end of the runway.

Pilot Statement

In a written statement, the pilot described the engine performance and the sequence of events leading to the collision. No other information about the pilot, aircraft, or environmental conditions 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/20060525X00634. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.