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Private Pilot's Downwind Departure Ends with Ground Impact After Striking Bushes (N4433N)

Big Lake, AK, US

On August 7, 2004, an Aeronca 15AC (registration N4433N) operated by David D. Schwartz was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions and subsequent collision with high vegetation during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot departing downwind from a 1,300-foot private airstrip struck bushes with the left main landing gear and left wing during takeoff, then nosed into the ground, causing structural damage to the right wing and lift strut.

Accident Details

A private certificated pilot was conducting a takeoff from a private airstrip. The airstrip was approximately 1,300 feet in length. At the southwest end of the strip, there were power lines and trees.

Weather and Departure Decision

The pilot reported that the weather conditions included a temperature of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and wind from the southwest at 15 to 20 knots. Due to the obstructions at the southwest end, the pilot chose to depart toward the northeast, which was a downwind direction.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff, the airplane lifted off at the end of the strip. The left main landing gear tire and the left wing struck bushes about 5 to 10 feet above the ground. Following the contact, the airplane nosed into the ground. The right wing and the right wing lift strut sustained structural damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Aug 2004 Aeronca 15AC accident near Big Lake, AK?

A private pilot departing downwind from a 1,300-foot private airstrip struck bushes with the left main landing gear and left wing during takeoff, then nosed into the ground, causing structural damage to the right wing and lift strut.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Aug 2004 Aeronca 15AC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Aug 2004 involved an Aeronca 15AC, registration N4433N, operated by David D. Schwartz, at Big Lake, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions and subsequent collision with high vegetation during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a collision with the ground. Factors contributing to the accident were the presence of a tailwind and bushes at the end of the airstrip.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040831X01330. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.