Casualties unknown

Ski-Equipped Airplane Aborts Takeoff on Snow-Covered Lake, Strikes Trees (N5057Y)

Gulkana, AK, US

On February 13, 2007, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N5057Y) operated by Richard A. Kinmon was involved in an aviation accident near Gulkana, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and collision with trees. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted takeoff on a snow-covered lake when the airplane failed to accelerate sufficiently; the ski-equipped airplane slid into trees, sustaining structural damage to wings and fuselage.

Incident Overview

A pilot operating a ski-equipped airplane on a snow-covered lake aborted a takeoff attempt after sensing inadequate acceleration. The pilot, who was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, reported closing the throttle when the airplane did not accelerate quickly enough to clear the trees at the end of the takeoff area. The airplane subsequently slid into the trees, resulting in structural damage to the wings and fuselage.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, no mechanical problems were noted during earlier flights that day. However, the pilot expressed a belief that the engine may not have been producing full power during the accident takeoff. The pilot did not provide additional information regarding what might have precipitated the perceived loss of engine power.

Investigation Status

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) did not examine the airplane. No further information was provided by the pilot, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain as described by the pilot's account.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070430X00484. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.