On March 7, 2001, a Cessna 180 (registration N9383C) was involved in an aviation accident near Ophir, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his inadequate preflight planning/preparation resulting in a collision with trees during the initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot in a wheel/ski-equipped airplane struck trees during initial climb after takeoff from crusty snow. The left horizontal stabilizer hit a spruce tree, leading to a descending turn and subsequent tree collisions during an emergency landing.
Events
A commercial certificated pilot conducted a landing on snow-covered terrain in a wheel/ski-equipped airplane. After landing, the surface of the snow became crusty. The pilot subsequently initiated a takeoff run toward the south. The airplane did not become airborne until it was within approximately 50 yards from several trees.
During the initial climb, the left horizontal stabilizer collided with a spruce tree about 25 feet above the ground. Following the collision, the airplane began a descending left turn toward the ground. While the pilot was performing an emergency landing, the airplane collided with several trees.
Damage
The airplane sustained damage to the left main landing gear, the wings, and the left stabilizer.