No fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Strikes Power Cables and Crashes After Takeoff in Park Falls (N4613N)

Park Falls, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On October 4, 1981, a Cessna 402 (registration N4613N) operated by Richard Robert was involved in an aviation accident near Park Falls, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane struck power cables and crashed after takeoff from Park Falls Municipal Airport, seriously injuring all five occupants and destroying the aircraft. Investigators cited powerplant failure for undetermined reasons.

Accident Details

A twin-engine airplane encountered difficulties gaining altitude after departing from Park Falls Municipal Airport. The aircraft struck power cables, then stalled and crashed in a field, where it burst into flames. All five occupants sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was destroyed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Several contributing factors were identified: collision with wires or poles during initial climb; the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff; high obstructions in the area; the pilot's statement that the engines were not producing full thrust; and the aircraft's gross weight, which was 6,238 pounds at takeoff against a maximum gross weight of 6,300 pounds.