Probable cause
The pilot's selection of a departure runway of inadequate length for the density altitude, resulting in the airplane not gaining sufficient lift, departing the runway, and impacting terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the twin-engine airplane reported that prior to takeoff, he "didn't lean out the motors". He reported that during the takeoff roll, "there wasn't enough lift and probably the density altitude was involved." The airplane ran off the departure end of the runway into a field, impacted terrain, and sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that the accident was because of "pilot error."
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engines that would have precluded normal operation.
The computed density altitude for the departure airport was 8,570 feet at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA158 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Blanding, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Blanding Muni (BDG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 337
- N-number
- N2181X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.