On July 12, 2002, a Cessna U206F (registration N696TK) operated by Tikchik Narrows Lodge, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Koliganek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature lift-off which precipitated an in-flight loss of control, and subsequent collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lifted off prematurely during takeoff from a sandbar, failed to gain altitude, and descended into the adjacent river due to terrain constraints.
What happened
The pilot reported that the airplane lifted off prematurely during takeoff on a sandbar. The aircraft failed to climb and began to descend. Due to the shape of the sandbar, the flight path was partially over the river after liftoff. As the airplane descended, its right main wheel entered the water, and the airplane nosed over.
The investigation
No mechanical examination was reported in the source text.