On March 28, 1999, a Cessna 170B (registration N3200A) was involved in an aviation accident near Mccarthy, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner. Factors associated with the accident were a tailwind, the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, and the pilot's premature liftoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot attempted takeoff from a 1,200-foot snow-packed runway with a wheel-ski equipped airplane. After becoming airborne twice and settling, the airplane stalled into trees at the runway end.
Accident Details
A private pilot was attempting a takeoff with a wheel-ski equipped airplane from an airstrip measuring 1,200 feet in length and covered with packed snow. According to the pilot, the airplane became airborne approximately at midfield but then settled back onto the runway. The pilot elected to continue the takeoff and again became airborne near the end of the runway.
However, the pilot reported that he did not have sufficient altitude to clear the trees at the end of the runway and stalled the airplane onto the end of the runway. The airplane continued off the end of the runway and collided with a tree.
Pilot Comments
The pilot related that he thought the wind was light and variable prior to takeoff but believes he may have encountered a tailwind during the takeoff roll. He stated that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane.