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CESSNA A188B accident at Bay Port, MI, 19 Aug 2023

Bay Port, MI, United States

On August 19, 2023, a CESSNA A188B operated by VAUGHNS FLYING SERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near Bay Port, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s decision to takeoff from a soft wet runway with a quartering tailwind which resulted in a lack of climb performance 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 decision to takeoff from a soft wet runway with a quartering tailwind which resulted in a lack of climb performance and impact with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotEffect on equipmentClimb rate — Not attained/maintained

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 2023 CESSNA A188B accident near Bay Port, MI?

The pilot’s decision to takeoff from a soft wet runway with a quartering tailwind which resulted in a lack of climb performance and impact with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Aug 2023 CESSNA A188B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 2023 involved a CESSNA A188B, operated by VAUGHNS FLYING SERVICE INC, at Bay Port, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s decision to takeoff from a soft wet runway with a quartering tailwind which resulted in a lack of climb performance and impact with terrain.

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