Probable cause
The flight instructor’s failure to attain an adequate climb rate during takeoff, which resulted in impact with trees.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during a demonstrated soft-field takeoff, the right lift strut impacted the tops of three trees. The flight instructor continued to his destination without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the elevator.
The flight instructor 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 GAA17CA302 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 20, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Prospect, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Prospect State (64S)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 175
- N-number
- N175DH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.