11 Aug 2009: CESSNA 206 — HOMER FLYOUT ADVENTURES LLC

11 Aug 2009: CESSNA 206 — HOMER FLYOUT ADVENTURES LLC

No fatalities • Iliamna, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to takeoff towards an area of rising terrain and potential downdrafts with a fully loaded airplane, which resulted in an encounter with a downdraft that exceeded the airplane's climb capability.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airline transport pilot reported that he was operating his float-equipped airplane under Title 14, CFR Part 91 as part of his guiding business. He said he was departing a remote lake with four passengers after a bear viewing trip, and that he encountered a downdraft during the initial climb. In his report to the NTSB, he wrote: “there was not sufficient lake left to stop and I was unable to climb over the rising terrain.” The airplane struck terrain near the shoreline and came to rest upright. One passenger was seriously injured, and the airplane received substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Contributing factors

  • cause Capability exceeded
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Decision related to condition
  • cause Ability to respond/compensate

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 270/18kt, vis 40sm

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