Accident Details
On February 17, 2013, about 1505 Alaska standard time, a wheel/ski-equipped Cessna 170B airplane, N2814C, sustained substantial damage when it collided with snow-covered terrain following a loss of control during takeoff initial climb from a remote, snow-covered lake, about 44 miles west of Skwentna, Alaska. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot and sole passenger both sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot was volunteering his time and airplane to support a race team competing in the annual Iron Dog snow machine race. The flight was departing Puntilla Lake and en route to McGrath, Alaska, with preplanned stops at race checkpoints. No flight plan was filed.
Witness Observations
A lodge operator at Puntilla Lake observed the takeoff. He stated the airplane became airborne after using about two-thirds of the takeoff area, then continued a shallow climb toward rising terrain known as "the notch." As it approached the terrain, the airplane began a steep left turn, nosed down abruptly, entered a near vertical descent, and collided with the snow. He and others rescued the occupants. Another pilot-rated witness observed the takeoff and reported the airplane was heavily loaded, used two-thirds of the takeoff distance, and encountered strong gusting winds. He stated the airplane entered a left turn, stalled, and descended steeply. Cargo in the rear had moved forward, pinning the occupants.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported the flight was planned for several months to provide logistical support for an Iron Dog race team. He departed Merrill Field, picked up his passenger at Big Lake, added fuel at Shell Lake, and landed uneventfully at Puntilla Lake. During takeoff, the takeoff run was longer than expected due to soft snow. He departed into gusting winds and rising terrain, favoring airspeed over altitude. With the airplane not climbing as expected, he made a left turn away from terrain. The airplane then descended and impacted the ground. He stated there were no preaccident mechanical problems. In a later written statement, he said a downdraft was encountered just after takeoff, and despite lowering the nose and applying full power, the airplane was pushed into the terrain.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants sustained serious, life-threatening injuries. The passenger was unconscious at the scene. The airplane impacted in a near-vertical attitude. Postaccident examination revealed the airplane struck the ground in a left wing down, nose low, steep descent. All major components and flight controls were present with control continuity. The engine showed signs of power at impact. The propeller blades sheared at the hub. The flap handle was found in the flaps 20-degree down position. The elevator trim tab was neutral. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were found.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane, serial number 26357, was manufactured in 1954 and originally had a 145 hp Continental O-300 engine, but had been modified with a 180 hp Lycoming O-360-A1A engine and a two-bladed MT-Propeller. It was equipped with hydraulic wheel/skis. Weight and balance calculations showed the airplane at or near gross weight (2,200 pounds) with center of gravity within normal range. The pilot, age 44, held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land and sea ratings, and had between 1,500 and 2,000 total flight hours, with 1,300 to 1,800 in the same make and model. His most recent medical certificate was issued March 1, 2011, with no limitations.
Meteorological and Communication Information
The lodge operator, a certified weather observer, reported wind from 310 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 18 knots, visibility 25 statute miles, and broken clouds at 6,000 feet. Lodge elevation was about 1,875 feet. No communications were reported with the pilot, and he was not using ATC services.