On September 8, 2004, a Cessna 170 (registration N3492C) was involved in an aviation accident near Teller, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with an embankment during takeoff-initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airline transport pilot struck a 2-foot embankment with the right main landing gear shortly after liftoff from a gravel bar, causing the gear to separate and the airplane to settle onto the bar.
Incident Overview
An airline transport certificated pilot was conducting a takeoff to the north from a gravel area adjacent to a remote creek. The takeoff area was oriented north/south, approximately 800 feet long and 100 feet wide. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at about 7 knots.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 25 feet after liftoff, the right main landing gear tire struck an embankment about 2 feet high. The airplane subsequently settled onto the gravel bar and came to a stop. According to the pilot, an observer on the ground reported that the wind appeared to shift to a tailwind during the takeoff run.
Post-Accident Recovery
The airplane was retrieved from the scene by helicopter. The helicopter pilot reported that upon arrival, he observed the right main landing gear strut and tire lying in a small creek, separated from the fuselage, between what appeared to be the takeoff point and the airplane's final resting position.