Accident Details
On January 19, 2010, about 0930 Alaska standard time, a Cessna 172M airplane, registration N20109, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a snowbank following a loss of control during takeoff at Bethel Airport in Bethel, Alaska. The aircraft was operated by Yute Air Taxi Inc. as Flight 570, a visual flight rules (VFR) passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight was bound for Napakiak, Alaska.
Occupant Status
The commercial pilot and the two passengers aboard were not injured.
Pilot Reports
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on January 19, the Director of Operations for Yute Air Taxi stated that the pilot reported losing directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway and collided with a snowbank. The director noted structural damage to the fuselage aft of the nose wheel and indicated that no mechanical problems were known before the accident.
In a written statement to the NTSB dated January 20, 2010, the pilot stated that after exiting the airplane, he discovered the left main landing gear wheel was locked and could not be rotated.
Investigation
In an email to the NTSB dated February 19, 2010, the director of operations reported that the left main landing gear wheel and assembly were examined by company mechanics, and no mechanical malfunctions were found.