Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude to avoid the trees during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to ensure the security of the entrance door before takeoff and the unintentional opening of the door.
NTSB analysis
The airplane impacted trees after takeoff. The pilot reported that upon takeoff the airplane's door opened. He reported that he opened the window and attempted to close the door. He stated that he became distracted trying to close the door and the left wing of the airplane clipped trees. He stated that there were no mechanical difficulties with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA287 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Three Lakes, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Three Lakes Municipal Airport (40D)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N12809
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.