On June 26, 1983, a Cessna 170 (registration N3074A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during takeoff on a short, unpaved runway, which resulted in the aircraft running off the end and colliding with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft collided with trees alongside a short dirt runway during takeoff after the pilot lost control. Neither the pilot nor the passenger were injured in the incident.
What happened
The aircraft attempted to depart from a primitive airstrip characterized by its limited dimensions, measuring only 1200 feet in length and 30 feet wide. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported losing control of the airplane. The aircraft departed the paved surface and entered the adjacent wooded area, resulting in a collision with trees alongside the runway.
Environmental conditions at the time were calm, with wind blowing from 270 degrees at a speed of 5 knots. Despite the structural damage sustained by the aircraft, there were no injuries reported. The pilot and his passenger exited the wreckage unharmed.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during takeoff on a short, unpaved runway, which resulted in the aircraft running off the end and colliding with trees.