Aircraft collision with shoreline during aborted takeoff on lake

Casualties unknown • Aniak, AK, US

An aircraft collided with a shoreline after an aborted takeoff following a snow shower that left accumulation on the airframe.

What happened

The pilot landed the airplane on a lake to pick up two hunters. During the loading process, a snow shower moved into the area, causing visibility to drop from 3 miles to less than 1/4 mile. After about five minutes, the snow shower ceased and visibility improved to 5 miles.

The pilot decided to proceed with the takeoff. Upon inspecting the aircraft, the pilot brushed his hand against the tail surface and observed that the snow removed easily. No further snow removal was performed on the rest of the aircraft. During engine start, the pilot observed that the snow had blown off the tail and assumed that the remaining snow would clear from the rest of the airframe during the takeoff roll.

As the aircraft lifted off the lake surface, it failed to climb above an altitude of 5 feet. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff, but there was insufficient room to stop the aircraft before it collided with the shoreline.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff without removing snow from the aircraft, assuming it would clear during the takeoff run, leading to an inability to climb and a subsequent collision with the shoreline during an aborted takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-09-24 DE Havilland DHC-2 accident near Aniak, AK?

An aircraft collided with a shoreline after an aborted takeoff following a snow shower that left accumulation on the airframe.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-09-24 involved a DE Havilland DHC-2, registration N5343G, operated by Aniak Air Guides, at Aniak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff without removing snow from the aircraft, assuming it would clear during the takeoff run, leading to an inability to climb and a subsequent collision with the shoreline during an aborted takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06670. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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