No fatalities

26 Mar 2009: CESSNA 170B — FOX BRIAN — Dillingham, AK

Dillingham, AK, United States

On 26 Mar 2009, a CESSNA 170B operated by FOX BRIAN was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff and his failure to attain adequate airspeed to avoid an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot taking off from a snow-covered area in a ski-equipped airplane reported that snow conditions caused unexpected drag. The airplane stalled after clearing initial trees, clipped treetops, and came to rest on its side. The aircraft was overweight, exceeding maximum gross weight.

Accident Summary

The pilot of a ski-equipped airplane was conducting a personal local flight, taking off from a snow-covered area. According to the pilot, the departure was to the south. The snow conditions resulted in more drag than anticipated. The airplane cleared the first part of the trees at the end of the takeoff area, but then the wing entered an aerodynamic stall and the right wing dropped. Subsequently, the airplane clipped the tops of trees, descended, and came to rest on its right side.

Pilot Actions and Conditions

The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. Prior to the accident takeoff, the pilot had packed down the takeoff area using a snow machine. The pilot also stated that he had aborted a takeoff to the northeast just before the accident takeoff to the south. In a written statement, the pilot disclosed that the maximum gross weight of the airplane was 2,200 pounds, but at the time of takeoff, the weight was 2,600 pounds.

Incident Details

The takeoff was attempted from a snow-covered surface. After initially lifting off, the airplane managed to clear the first row of trees. However, shortly thereafter, the stall occurred, leading to a loss of lift on the right wing. The aircraft subsequently struck additional trees, causing a descent. The final resting position was on its right side. No other information regarding injuries or damage was provided.

Contributing factors

Causes

Airspeed — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Capability exceededEffect on operation