Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to takeoff from an unsuitable surface which resulted in collision with an object.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during takeoff, the airplane reached an airspeed of about 35 mph and “hit an ice / snow berm”. The airplane became airborne, stalled, and impacted the terrain. The ski dug into the snow and the airplane flipped over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA098 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 25, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Eagle River, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Eagle River Union Airport (KEGV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 120
- N-number
- N73034
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.