No fatalities

CESSNA R172K accident at Trapper Creek, AK, 17 Feb 2024

Trapper Creek, AK, United States

On February 17, 2024, a CESSNA R172K was involved in an aviation accident near Trapper Creek, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; loss of airplane control; 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 exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; loss of airplane control; and impact with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Capability exceededPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Feb 2024 CESSNA R172K accident near Trapper Creek, AK?

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; loss of airplane control; and impact with terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Feb 2024 CESSNA R172K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Feb 2024 involved a CESSNA R172K, at Trapper Creek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; loss of airplane control; and impact with terrain.