19 Jun 2014: PIPER PA 18-135

19 Jun 2014: PIPER PA 18-135 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Beluga, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control when encountering a downdraft during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a collision with brush and terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that he was departing from a small remote lake in a float-equipped airplane. He said that during the initial climb he encountered a strong downdraft, and he selected an area of marshy, brush-covered terrain as a forced landing site. During touchdown, the left wing collided with a stand of tall brush, which pivoted the airplane 90-degrees to the left, and the airplane's left float subsequently struck the shoreline. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Climb rate — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • Effect on operation
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 200/11kt, vis 10sm

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