Pilot Debrief

HELIO H-295-1400 near Deadhorse, AK — 2012-06-20

Final reportANC12LA056
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Date
2012-06-20
Location
Deadhorse, AK, USA
Airport
HPV
Aircraft
HELIO H-295-1400
Registration
N295SC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to extend the airplane’s wing flaps before takeoff and her selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, which resulted in a collision with a concrete loading ramp during the aborted takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that due to a strong westerly wind, she elected to takeoff from the east/west taxiway instead of using the north/south runway. Before departure, the pilot paced off her intended takeoff path and determined that she had a 1,200-foot-long, 200-foot-wide gravel surface that was free of obstructions. During the takeoff run, the weight shifted off the main wheels, but the tail of the airplane did not come up, and the airplane did not climb. The pilot aborted the takeoff and applied heavy braking, but the airplane drifted left of her intended path and struck a concrete loading ramp. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Photos provided by first responders revealed that the airplane’s flaps were in the up position upon arrival. The pilot reported that after the accident she did not retract the airplane’s wing flaps. Thus, due to the lack of mechanical anomalies with the airplane, the length of takeoff area, and the postaccident discovery of the flaps in the up position, it is likely that the pilot failed to properly configure the airplane’s wing flaps before takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to use the north/south runway instead of the taxiway.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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