Accident Details
On August 21, 2013, about 1356 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 180 (registration N7807K) sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees after takeoff from Walby Lake Seaplane Base (AA85) in Palmer, Alaska. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight, which was originating at the time of the accident. The intended destination was Finger Lake Seaplane Base (99Z), near Palmer.
Pilot Statement
During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that during takeoff to the west, the airplane felt sluggish after becoming airborne. As the airplane climbed to about 100 feet above ground level, he decreased the flap setting by one notch, and the airplane started to descend rapidly. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees about 600 feet west of the lake. The pilot added that he felt he may have retracted the flaps from the third notch to the first notch, and stalled the airplane. He did not recall hearing the stall warning horn.
Examination
Examination by an FAA inspector revealed structural damage to both wings and the fuselage. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination. An NTSB investigator found the flap handle in the second notch (20-degree setting). The stall warning horn was disassembled and produced a sound when suction air pressure was applied to the bell. The reed was intact; however, it could not be determined if the stall warning system was intact and calibrated due to impact damage.
Weather Information
Review of recorded weather data from the Palmer (PAAQ) weather station, located about 4 miles east of the accident site, indicated that at 1353, wind was from 080 degrees at 8 knots.