Probable cause
The flight instructor’s improper flap position during takeoff, which resulted in degraded climb performance and a subsequent impact with a building.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor, the airplane struggled to maintain altitude during its initial climb following takeoff. A witness reported that the wing flaps were fully deployed during takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane clipped several trees and then its left landing gear struck a power line that resulted in a descent and impact with a building. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
The flight instructor stated that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident review of the accident site photographs revealed that the airplane’s flaps were extended rather than fully retracted as specified in the airplane’s Pilot Operating Handbook.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA283 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 17, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rigby, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Rigby Airport (U56)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150F
- N-number
- N8047F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.