On July 14, 1983, a Champion 7ECA (registration N2757Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Sterling, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during takeoff due to crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a southbound departure, the aircraft lifted off but was drifted left by crosswinds into roadside trees, resulting in significant structural damage after the wing struck vegetation.
What happened
The aircraft departed from the airport heading south. As the pilot initiated the takeoff roll and rotation, the plane lifted off the runway surface. Immediately after becoming airborne, the pilot noted that the aircraft passed a clearing on the right side of the runway. However, a crosswind condition caused the aircraft to drift laterally to the left, moving it off the extended centerline of the runway.
The drifting path led the aircraft directly into trees located alongside the runway. The left wing struck a tree first, which arrested the forward momentum and caused the aircraft to rotate further into the surrounding trees and brush. The aircraft came to rest within this vegetation after the impact.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the left wing had sustained damage from striking a tree. The force of the impact rotated the fuselage, causing additional contact with the surrounding trees and brush before the aircraft stopped moving.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during takeoff due to crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with trees.