Accident Overview
On March 15, 2010, about 1230 Alaska daylight time, a Britten-Norman BN-2A-21 airplane, registration N663SA, was substantially damaged during takeoff initial climb from Kodiak Airport, Kodiak, Alaska. The aircraft, operated by Servant Air as a visual flight rules (VFR) passenger flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135, was en route to Old Harbor, Alaska. The airline transport pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, while a second passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect.
Witness Observations
An FAA air safety inspector, during a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on March 17, reported that a witness familiar with the Britten-Norman airplane observed the aircraft at full power attempting to outclimb the terrain at the end of the runway. The witness stated that the airplane then descended into the trees. The witness noted that the right wing struck the trees first, followed by the left wing as the aircraft rolled left, and then continued its descent into the trees.
Pilot Statement
In a written statement to the NTSB dated March 23, the pilot reported that the wind was from 290-300 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 27 knots. He chose to conduct an intersection takeoff on runway 25 at the intersection with runway 29. The pilot described that his airspeed did not develop as quickly as anticipated. With lagging airspeed and poor climb performance, he realized the airplane would not clear the ridge at the end of the runway. He initiated a right descending turn to maintain airspeed and flared for impact with the trees. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.