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Airplane Strikes Tree During Landing at Mountain Airstrip

Truckee, CA, United States

On May 23, 2013, a CESSNA 172M operated by BELKNAP RONALD L was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll which resulted in a collision with a tree. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during the first landing of the summer season on a high mountain dirt/turf airstrip, the airplane touched down left of centerline, struck a pine tree, and sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that he was making his first landing of the summer season on a high mountain dirt/turf airstrip. The airplane touched down left of the centerline, which sloped to the left. The pilot was unable to correct back to the right before the left wing struck a pine tree next to the airstrip.

Sequence of Events

After the left wing struck the pine tree, the airplane spun to the left and skidded sideways. During the skid, the right wing contacted the surface. The impact resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Tree(s)

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 24 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172B
  • 23 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 18 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 16 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172M (CK Aviation LLC)
  • 9 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
  • 8 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N
  • 7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
  • 24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
  • 21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
  • 18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
  • 16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
  • 9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 2013 CESSNA 172M accident near Truckee, CA?

A pilot reported that during the first landing of the summer season on a high mountain dirt/turf airstrip, the airplane touched down left of centerline, struck a pine tree, and sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 May 2013 CESSNA 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 2013 involved a CESSNA 172M, operated by BELKNAP RONALD L, at Truckee, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll which resulted in a collision with a tree.

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