No fatalities

CESSNA 172R accident at Hope, AK, 31 Dec 2020

Hope, AK, United States

On December 31, 2020, a CESSNA 172R operated by ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE AERO CLUB was involved in an aviation accident near Hope, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was the certified flight instructor’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was the certified flight instructor’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotInstructor/check pilotAbility to respond/compensate

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Dec 2020 CESSNA 172R accident near Hope, AK?

The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was the certified flight instructor’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 2020 CESSNA 172R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Dec 2020 involved a CESSNA 172R, operated by ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE AERO CLUB, at Hope, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was the certified flight instructor’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.