Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain bank control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a soft-field runway, about 10 ft above the ground, the airplane drifted left. He added that the left wing "dipped" and contacted the ground and that the airplane then impacted terrain.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right elevator, and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that he should have "stayed longer in ground effect."
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 10 knots and that, about 40 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190º at 7 knots. The airplane departed from runway 22.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA471 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 4, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dowagiac, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Dowagiac Muni (C91)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N8994V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.