Cessna 172M N9909Q accident near Hanover, Indiana

Preliminary information

On September 16, 2026, about 1905 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M airplane, N9909Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hanover, Indiana. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to fly with a friend to and from Lee Bottom Airport. The pilot stated that she was familiar with the airport's grass runway and previously operated there during flight training. After landing at Lee Bottom, the pilot taxied back for departure from runway 18. During the initial takeoff the pilot noted that the airplane was not performing as expected and discontinued the takeoff. The pilot taxied back and initiated a second takeoff attempt using 10° flaps.

The pilot reported that, during the second takeoff, the airplane became airborne and remained in ground effect to gain airspeed, and then the pilot established a climb. As the airplane approached trees beyond the departure end of the runway, the pilot reported that the trees appeared to be getting closer and attempted to clear them. The pilot then observed a decrease in airspeed and lowered the nose. The airplane subsequently contacted the tops of trees, continued through the trees, impacted a residence, and then impacted terrain. The airplane came to rest inverted. There were no injuries reported on ground. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane after the accident with minor injuries.

The fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage and the airplane was retained for further examination.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA322 for the full record.