On September 15, 1994, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N3930Z) operated by 4W Air was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alsworth, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported losing altitude and colliding with trees shortly after takeoff from a remote lake due to encountering dead air conditions despite climbing at best angle of climb speed.
What happened
The aircraft departed from a remote lake, initiating a climb at the best angle of climb airspeed. Shortly after liftoff, the plane encountered what the pilot described as "dead air." This condition caused the airspeed to decrease rapidly, leading to a loss of altitude. The aircraft then collided with several trees located approximately one-half mile from the point of departure.
Findings
The wind conditions at the time were reported as light and variable. The encounter with dead air during the initial climb phase contributed to the loss of control and subsequent collision.
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