No fatalities

Takeoff Accident Following Left Wing Contact During Soft Field Departure

Dowagiac, MI, United States

On August 4, 2018, a Cessna 172 M operated by Wings Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Dowagiac, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain bank control during takeoff. 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

During a soft field takeoff, the airplane drifted left at about 10 feet, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane impacted terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, right elevator, and fuselage.

Event Summary

The pilot reported that during takeoff from a soft field runway, when the airplane was about 10 feet above the ground, it began to drift left. The left wing then "dipped" and contacted the ground, after which the airplane impacted the terrain.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, right elevator, and fuselage. No other damage details were provided.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the pilot noted that he should have "stayed longer in ground effect."

Weather Information

The automated weather observation station at the airport reported that approximately 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 10 knots. About 40 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190° at 7 knots. The airplane departed on runway 22.

Contributing factors

Lateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 2018 Cessna 172 M accident near Dowagiac, MI?

During a soft field takeoff, the airplane drifted left at about 10 feet, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane impacted terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing, right elevator, and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Aug 2018 Cessna 172 M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 2018 involved a Cessna 172 M, operated by Wings Inc, at Dowagiac, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain bank control during takeoff.