Pilot Debrief

CESSNA P206C near Wasilla, AK — 2011-05-27

Final reportANC11LA038
Sign in to save
Date
2011-05-27
Location
Wasilla, AK, USA
Airport
5AK
Aircraft
CESSNA P206C
Registration
N8665Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff from an unpaved airstrip, resulting in a collision with trees.

NTSB narrative

During takeoff the airplane, which was taking off for a parachute jump, collided with trees lining the side of the grass runway. The pilot said that a previous flight that day had been uneventful. During the accident takeoff he said he heard a "pop" at rotation and the airplane pulled to the left. He corrected with rudder and aileron, and the airplane drifted right. The right wing struck trees on the right side of the runway and the airplane veered off the runway to the right. The left wing impacted another group of trees and the left main landing wheel separated from the airplane after striking a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane showed no mechanical anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of directional control during takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after hearing the 'pop' sound.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

Related mishaps