Accident Details
A commercial pilot was conducting an on-demand charter flight from a private 2,400-foot-long airstrip. The runway surface was wet, rough, and uneven gravel. The departure was to the west and uphill. There were six passengers and baggage on board.
In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot reported that the airplane's gross weight at the time of the accident was 10 pounds below the maximum gross weight. During the takeoff roll, the wind suddenly changed to a tailwind. The airplane initially became airborne but failed to climb. It subsequently settled into an area of tundra-covered terrain approximately 100 yards west of the runway threshold, where the airplane nosed over.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The accident resulted in structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather observation facility, located about 2 miles southeast of the accident site, reported winds from 090 degrees at 9 knots with gusts to 15 knots at the time of the accident.