On July 31, 2001, a Cessna U206 (registration N29167) was involved in an aviation accident near Mccarthy, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff on a runway that was too short for the aircraft's performance requirements, compounded by the choice to depart uphill without adequate margin. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted an uphill takeoff from a short rural airstrip to avoid flying into the sun, but continued past the end of the runway and struck brush.
What happened
The pilot was operating from a rural airstrip characterized by a remarkably short runway, measuring approximately 1,100 feet in length. During the pre-flight planning phase, the pilot made a specific decision to initiate the takeoff roll while traveling uphill. This strategic choice was driven by the desire to avoid the visual discomfort of flying directly into the sun during the initial climb-out.
As the aircraft accelerated down the available pavement, it became apparent that the distance required for a safe departure exceeded the physical limits of the strip. The pilot later acknowledged in a written report submitted to the NTSB that aborting the takeoff earlier in the roll would have been the prudent course of action. Despite this realization, the decision was made to continue the takeoff.
Consequently, the aircraft failed to achieve sufficient lift before reaching the end of the paved surface. It overran the runway and collided with vegetation located beyond the airfield boundary.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff on a runway that was too short for the aircraft's performance requirements, compounded by the choice to depart uphill without adequate margin.