No fatalities

Aircraft Stalls During Takeoff Initial Climb

Manteo, NC, United States

On June 30, 2019, a Cessna 172 K operated by Obx Airplanes Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Manteo, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. 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

The pilot reported a rapid airspeed drop during initial climb, leading to an aerodynamic stall and collision with the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical failures were identified.

Accident Summary

The accident occurred during the takeoff initial climb phase. The pilot reported that he began to feel the airspeed decrease shortly after liftoff. In response, he applied a nose-down correction to regain airspeed. Despite this action, the airspeed continued to decline until the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall. The airplane subsequently collided with the ground.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation. The aircraft was performing as expected prior to the loss of airspeed.

Weather Conditions

Around the time of the accident, the airport's automated weather observation station reported winds from 290° at 7 knots, with gusts up to 18 knots. The airplane was taking off from runway 35.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, the horizontal stabilizer, and the elevator.

Contributing factors

Capability exceededAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jun 2019 Cessna 172 K accident near Manteo, NC?

The pilot reported a rapid airspeed drop during initial climb, leading to an aerodynamic stall and collision with the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical failures were identified.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jun 2019 Cessna 172 K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jun 2019 involved a Cessna 172 K, operated by Obx Airplanes Llc, at Manteo, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.