Accident Details
On July 20, 2015, at approximately 2115 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, registration N8761C, sustained substantial damage shortly after takeoff from Shannons Pond (0Z3) in Dillingham, Alaska. The private pilot and the passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed.
Pilot Account
According to a statement provided to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, after reaching the planned takeoff decision point, full flaps were applied. The airplane immediately became airborne and climbed to about 40 feet above ground level. Upon reaching that altitude, the airplane lacked the necessary airspeed to continue climbing. To avoid impacting trees ahead, the pilot initiated a left bank. The airplane subsequently struck a flat area of muskeg adjacent to Shannons Pond.
Engine Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The spark plugs were removed, and the propeller was rotated; compression was observed on all cylinders.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather reporting facility, Dillingham Airport, located about 3 miles southeast of the accident site, reported conditions at 2053. The aviation routine weather report included wind from 110 degrees at 7 knots, scattered clouds at 8,000 feet and 15,000 feet, a broken ceiling at 15,000 feet, visibility of 30 statute miles, temperature 68 degrees Fahrenheit, dewpoint 52 degrees Fahrenheit, and barometric pressure 29.94 inches of mercury.