On June 11, 1985, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N68563) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to execute a step turn that resulted in the aircraft striking a small scrub tree and subsequent larger trees during the takeoff phase. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a takeoff maneuver involving a step turn, the aircraft descended downwind and struck a small scrub tree before impacting larger trees.
What happened
The pilot in command initiated a step turn during the departure phase of flight. This maneuver established a final takeoff path that ran downwind. The objective of this trajectory was to position the airplane's flight path over a bank containing minimal obstructions, with the exception of a single small scrub tree located along the route.
While following this designated path, the aircraft made contact with the small scrub tree. Following this initial impact, the airplane continued its forward momentum for an additional 450 feet. During this extended travel, it struck several larger trees before finally coming to rest. Upon stopping, the aircraft was oriented facing a magnetic heading of 150 degrees.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to execute a step turn that resulted in the aircraft striking a small scrub tree and subsequent larger trees during the takeoff phase.