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Tailwheel Aircraft Struck Terrain After Takeoff Due to High Density Altitude

Rawlins, WY, United States

On June 23, 2013, a CESSNA 170B operated by HOHMANN COURTNEY P was involved in an aviation accident near Rawlins, WY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not take into account the high density altitude, which affected the airplane's performance. 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 takeoff at a high-density-altitude airport, the airplane would not climb out of ground effect, used the entire runway, and departed into rough terrain, causing substantial damage.

Accident Details

A pilot reported an accident that occurred during takeoff. According to the pilot, after the tail wheel lifted off, the airplane would not climb out of ground effect. He stated that he used all of the available runway length and did not reduce power in time to abort the takeoff. The airplane subsequently departed the runway surface into rough terrain.

Damage

The impact with terrain resulted in substantial damage to the rudder, horizontal stabilizer, and both elevators.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. He indicated that he was based at a sea level airport and did not take into account the high density altitude (8,600 feet), which affected the airplane’s performance.

Probable cause

The pilot did not take into account the high density altitude, which affected the airplane's performance.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationRough terrain

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jun 2013 CESSNA 170B accident near Rawlins, WY?

A pilot reported that during takeoff at a high-density-altitude airport, the airplane would not climb out of ground effect, used the entire runway, and departed into rough terrain, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jun 2013 CESSNA 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jun 2013 involved a CESSNA 170B, operated by HOHMANN COURTNEY P, at Rawlins, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not take into account the high density altitude, which affected the airplane's performance.

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