Casualties unknown

2007-07-11: Champion 7GCB (N9897Y) — King Salmon, AK

King Salmon, AK, US

On July 11, 2007, a Champion 7GCB (registration N9897Y) was involved in an aviation accident near King Salmon, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in the right main landing gear collapsing during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were rough/uneven terrain, and the collapse of the main landing gear. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot reported that during takeoff from a rough off-airport site, the airplane veered right after lift-off, resulting in separation of the right main landing gear and damage to the wing, gear, fuselage, and propeller.

Accident Details

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a takeoff in a tundra tire-equipped airplane from a rough and uneven off-airport site under Title 14, CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the passenger reported hearing a thud or bang just prior to lifting off. The takeoff area was predominantly gravel with some larger rocks.

Sequence of Events

The pilot stated that as the airplane lifted off, it immediately veered to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to the right and subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot reported that the right main landing gear separated during the takeoff, and the airplane did not have enough flying speed to overcome the drag.

Damage

The pilot indicated that the airplane sustained damage to the right wing, right landing gear, fuselage, and propeller.

Pilot's Statement

In a written statement, the pilot wrote that more careful landing area selection might have prevented the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070717X00950. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.