Pilot Debrief

CORT J NEUMAN APEX near Wasilla, AK — 2023-08-01

Final reportANC23LA058
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Date
2023-08-01
Location
Wasilla, AK, USA
Airport
97AK
Aircraft
CORT J NEUMAN APEX
Registration
N907AX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance during takeoff, which resulted in impact with trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he planned to take the passenger on a local sightseeing flight. During takeoff from the 1,600 ft. long gravel-covered runway, the airplane performed as expected until reaching about 50 ft above ground level (agl), at which point the climb performance degraded significantly. He observed no change in engine performance or weather conditions. As the airplane neared the end of the runway, he realized that he would not be able to pass over the trees that bordered the airport and attempted to maintain direction control avoiding a heading to the larger trees. The airplane collided with the trees sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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