Probable cause
The pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after taking off from a frozen gravel bar by a river in remote wilderness, the airplane stalled. The left main landing gear struck the edge of the cut bank and the left wing impacted the ground. The fuselage then impacted the top of the bank and spun counterclockwise. The pilot stated that the left wing was separated from the fuselage and the fuselage had sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA282 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 24, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arctic Village, Alaska
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N2528C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- 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.