Casualties unknown

Floatplane Strikes Overhanging Tree During River Landing (N758TG)

Bethel, AK, US

On September 28, 2007, a Cessna 172 (registration N758TG) was involved in an aviation accident near Bethel, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot experienced a gust of wind during a river landing, overcorrected, and struck a tree, causing the floatplane to pivot and descend into the river with structural damage.

Accident Overview

A private pilot was landing a float-equipped airplane on a river surrounded by trees. The approach was made from the north. Just before touchdown, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. The pilot overcorrected by steering to the right, causing the right wing to collide with a tree branch hanging over the river. The impact caused the airplane to pivot to the right and descend into the river, resulting in structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. No further details about the aircraft or pilot are available from the source.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was performing a landing approach to a river segment bordered by trees. As the airplane neared the water, a gust of wind from an unspecified direction pushed the airplane left of the intended flight path. The pilot's corrective input to the right was excessive, causing the right wing to strike a tree overhanging the river. The collision forced the airplane to pivot to the right, after which it descended and struck the water surface. Post-accident examination revealed structural damage to multiple components.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained structural damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage. The extent of damage is not further specified.

Conclusion

The accident occurred during a landing approach when a gust of wind induced a lateral deviation, and the pilot's overcorrection led to a collision with an overhanging tree. No mechanical issues were identified by the pilot.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Sept 2007 Cessna 172 accident near Bethel, AK?

A private pilot experienced a gust of wind during a river landing, overcorrected, and struck a tree, causing the floatplane to pivot and descend into the river with structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Sept 2007 involved a Cessna 172, registration N758TG, at Bethel, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071009X01537. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.