Accident
On January 21, 2015, at 1142 Alaska standard time, a tailwheel-equipped Cessna 170B airplane, registration N2580D, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during takeoff from Lake Hood Seaplane Base (Z41), Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Report
During an interview with an investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on January 21, 2015, the pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, after the brakes were released and full power was applied, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake in an effort to correct for the veer, but the airplane continued to the left, struck a runway edge light, and departed the runway into the snow-covered median between the runway and an adjacent taxiway, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing.
Investigation
A post-accident examination of the airplane by the NTSB, along with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from the Anchorage Flight Standards District Office, revealed no mechanical irregularities that would have precluded normal operation.
Weight and Balance
A post-accident weight and balance calculation was accomplished by the NTSB using fuel load, passenger weights, and seating location provided by the pilot. The aircraft was found to be about 82 pounds over the approved maximum gross weight of 2,200 pounds. The estimated center of gravity at the time of the accident was positive 43.53 inches. The center of gravity range at 2,200 pounds (maximum gross weight) is positive 40.8 inches to positive 46.4 inches.
Weather
The closest weather reporting facility is Anchorage International Airport, less than one mile from the accident site. At 1153, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) from the Anchorage Airport reported wind from 120 degrees at 8 knots; sky condition clear; visibility 10 statute miles; temperature 12 degrees Fahrenheit; dew point 9 degrees Fahrenheit; altimeter 29.34 inches of mercury.