Incident Description
The pilot initiated a takeoff on a taxiway, mistaking it for the intended runway. After realizing the error, the aircraft's speed prevented a safe turn onto the runway or a stop, yet was insufficient for flight. The aircraft subsequently departed the runway area, going off an embankment on the opposite side, resulting in damage.
Aircraft and Occupants
The six-place aircraft carried eight persons. Two individuals were not using seat belts: a 10-year-old boy seated between the front seats without a belt, and a 10-year-old girl seated on another passenger's lap. Shoulder harnesses were available for the two front-seat occupants, but they were not using them.
Pilot Condition
The pilot had been operating on an irregular schedule and had very little sleep in the preceding two or three days. He was reported to be under pressure to return to Nome to resume a record-setting around-the-world flight involving his 11-year-old son.
Environmental Conditions
The taxiway approached the approach end of Runway 2 from the west-southwest. Wind was variable from the south at 10 to 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots.