Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170B near Fairbanks, AK — 2014-06-04

Final reportANC14CA037
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Date
2014-06-04
Location
Fairbanks, AK, USA
Airport
9AK
Aircraft
CESSNA 170B
Registration
N3442D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The airplane's encounter with a tailwind during takeoff from a short, narrow airstrip, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with brush and small trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that he was departing in his airplane from the downhill-sloping (east) runway at 9AK with a slight tailwind. He said that, as the airplane tried to become airborne, the tailwind increased considerably, and the airplane would not climb. The airplane struck brush that encroached the east end of the runway area and veered left into brush and small trees. He stated that no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane precluded normal operation. Damage included the separation of the right outboard elevator. Photographs of the airstrip provided by the pilot showed that 9AK was a short, narrow, rough-surfaced airstrip with brush growth encroachment.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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