No fatalities

4 Jun 2014: CESSNA 170B — Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On 4 Jun 2014, a CESSNA 170B UNDESIGNAT was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane's encounter with a tailwind during takeoff from a short, narrow airstrip, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with brush and small trees. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot departing a downhill-sloping runway at 9AK with a tailwind reported that the airplane failed to climb, struck brush at the runway end, and veered into trees. The right outboard elevator separated. No mechanical failures were noted.

Accident Summary

A pilot was departing from runway at airstrip 9AK. The runway sloped downhill to the east and a slight tailwind was present. During the takeoff roll, as the airplane attempted to become airborne, the tailwind increased considerably, preventing the airplane from climbing.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the airplane subsequently struck brush that had encroached the east end of the runway area. After striking the brush, the airplane veered left into additional brush and small trees. The pilot further reported that no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane precluded normal operation.

Runway Conditions

Photographs of the airstrip provided by the pilot indicated that 9AK was a short, narrow, and rough-surfaced airstrip with brush growth encroachment at the runway ends.

Damage

The accident resulted in the separation of the right outboard elevator. Other damage was not specified.

Contributing factors

Causes

Climb rate — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome