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Floatplane Strikes Tree During Takeoff from Small Lake (N786BH)

Sparrevohn, AK, US

On August 31, 1992, a Piper PA-12 (registration N786BH) operated by James F. Ellis was involved in an aviation accident near Sparrevohn, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the takeoff and possibly accepted a tailwind component. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A lodge employee pilot reported taking off from a small lake toward rising terrain, then attempting a turn below tree level, clipping a tree with the wing tip and spreader bars, and impacting in a marshy area. The pilot believed he misjudged the takeoff and possibly accepted a tailwind component.

Incident Overview

A lodge employee pilot was conducting a takeoff from a small lake in a floatplane equipped with spreader bars on the floats. During the takeoff, the aircraft headed toward rising terrain that the pilot could not outclimb. The pilot attempted to turn around below the level of the surrounding trees. While turning, the aircraft's wing tip and spreader bars clipped a tree. The aircraft subsequently impacted in a marshy area near the lake.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he believed he misjudged the takeoff and possibly accepted a tailwind component. He stated that after takeoff he realized he could not outclimb the rising terrain, prompting the attempted turn that led to the collision with the tree.

Damage

The aircraft impacted in a marshy area, and the collision with the tree involved the wing tip and the spreader bars on the floats. Further damage details were not specified.

Probable cause

The pilot misjudged the takeoff and possibly accepted a tailwind component.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 1992 Piper PA-12 accident near Sparrevohn, AK?

A lodge employee pilot reported taking off from a small lake toward rising terrain, then attempting a turn below tree level, clipping a tree with the wing tip and spreader bars, and impacting in a marshy area. The pilot believed he misjudged the takeoff and possibly accepted a tailwind component.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 1992 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N786BH, operated by James F. Ellis, at Sparrevohn, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot misjudged the takeoff and possibly accepted a tailwind component.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15306. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.