What happened
The pilot reported that there was no wind on the ground prior to departure. However, immediately after takeoff from Runway 5, he encountered a downdraft that prevented him from clearing trees at the end of the airstrip. The aircraft crashed into the treeline.
The accident site was Tatitna, an abandoned and non-maintained strip located in mountainous terrain. Wind reported by Farewell, Alaska, located 19 miles northwest of the accident site, was 240 degrees at 15 knots. There were nine unsecured dogs onboard the aircraft.
The investigation
The pilot's report indicated that the downdraft occurred immediately after takeoff. The terrain at the end of the airstrip consisted of trees which the aircraft failed to clear.
Findings
- Tatitna is an abandoned, non-maintained airstrip in mountainous terrain.
- Runway 5 was used for takeoff.
- Wind reported by Farewell, AK, located 19 miles NW of the accident site, was 240/15.
- There were nine unsecured dogs onboard.
- The pilot encountered a downdraft immediately after takeoff.
- The aircraft failed to clear trees at the end of the airstrip.