No fatalities

Single-Engine Aircraft Collides with Trees After Takeoff from Nikiski Airport (N6244H)

Nikiski, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On September 28, 1980, a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair (registration N6244H) operated by Winward Passage Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Nikiski, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees during initial climb after the pilot misused or failed to use flaps. Contributing factors: premature liftoff, inadequate preflight preparation, improperly loaded aircraft, downdrafts and updrafts, full flaps takeoff, and over max gross… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane collided with trees and crashed shortly after takeoff from Nikiski Airport. Both occupants sustained serious injuries; the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Details

After departing from Nikiski Airport, a single-engine airplane struck trees and subsequently crashed. The collision resulted in serious injuries to both occupants, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

Investigators determined that the probable cause of the accident was a collision with trees during initial climb, attributed to the pilot's misuse or failure to use flaps. Several contributing factors were identified:

  • Premature liftoff
  • Inadequate preflight preparation
  • Improperly loaded aircraft
  • Downdrafts and updrafts
  • Full flaps takeoff
  • Operation over maximum gross weight