Accident Overview
On December 15, 2013, at approximately 1730 Alaska Standard Time, a Cessna 172M airplane, registered as N20109, collided with an airport perimeter fence during takeoff from Bethel Airport in Bethel, Alaska. The aircraft was being operated by Flight Alaska, Inc., doing business as Yute Air Alaska, as a scheduled commuter flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The commercial pilot, who was the only person on board, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan had been filed for the intended flight to Napaskiak, Alaska.
Sequence of Events
According to a written statement from the operator to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot was departing on runway 30. During the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne briefly but immediately settled back onto the runway. The pilot began to abort the takeoff but realized there was insufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane. He reapplied full power, but the aircraft impacted the airport perimeter fence. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was run on the airframe through various power settings without any anomalies detected.