No fatalities

CESSNA 170B accident at Ozark, AR, 12 Sept 2021

Ozark, AR, United States

On September 12, 2021, a CESSNA 170B operated by ELITE AIRCRAFT SALES LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Ozark, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inadequate takeoff performance planning that resulted in a climb gradient too low to clear trees on departure, and his failure to maintain aircraft control that resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. 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

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate takeoff performance planning that resulted in a climb gradient too low to clear trees on departure, and his failure to maintain aircraft control that resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Flight crewAttain/maintain not possibleCapability exceeded

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 2021 CESSNA 170B accident near Ozark, AR?

The pilot’s inadequate takeoff performance planning that resulted in a climb gradient too low to clear trees on departure, and his failure to maintain aircraft control that resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Sept 2021 CESSNA 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 2021 involved a CESSNA 170B, operated by ELITE AIRCRAFT SALES LLC, at Ozark, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s inadequate takeoff performance planning that resulted in a climb gradient too low to clear trees on departure, and his failure to maintain aircraft control that resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.