Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that, during the takeoff for the scheduled commuter flight, the airplane briefly became airborne but that it immediately settled back onto the runway. The pilot started to abort the takeoff, but he then realized that he did not have sufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane. He reapplied full power, but the airplane impacted the airport perimeter fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the engine was run on the airframe through various power settings without anomaly.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC14LA011 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 15, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bethel, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Bethel (BET)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N20109
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.