Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees on takeoff from a rural road.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was attempting to land on a private grass runway but due to sun glare, inadvertently landed in an adjacent field. The pilot then taxied to a nearby paved road and attempted to take off with the intent to land at the private grass runway. During the takeoff roll, the airplane collided with trees resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. 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 ERA26LA132 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 28, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bennettsville, South Carolina
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172L
- N-number
- N7864G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.