No fatalities

CESSNA 170 accident at Wasilla, AK, 3 Apr 2023

Wasilla, AK, United States

On April 3, 2023, a CESSNA 170 was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintained directional control and the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a loss of 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

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintained directional control and the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Instructor/check pilotPilotHeading/course — Not attained/maintainedContributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Apr 2023 CESSNA 170 accident near Wasilla, AK?

The pilot’s failure to maintained directional control and the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Apr 2023 CESSNA 170 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Apr 2023 involved a CESSNA 170, at Wasilla, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintained directional control and the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.