No fatalities

11 Jul 2020: CESSNA U206 G — BIK AIR LLC — Nenana, AK

Nenana, AK, United States

On 11 Jul 2020, a CESSNA U206 G operated by BIK AIR LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Nenana, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a soft field takeoff on a dirt airstrip, which resulted in an impact with a vehicle. 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

During a soft field takeoff at a private dirt airstrip, a pilot lost directional control in a right crosswind, and the airplane's left wing struck a parked bulldozer, causing substantial damage.

Takeoff Attempt and Crosswind

The pilot was performing a soft field takeoff on a private dirt airstrip. A right crosswind was present. During the takeoff roll, the pilot stayed on the left side of the airstrip to avoid a known dip. The nosewheel lifted off the ground quickly as expected, but the pilot then lost the ability to turn the aircraft.

Wing Strike with Bulldozer

The pilot applied right rudder input to compensate for the crosswind, but the ground speed was too low for sufficient rudder authority. As a result, the left wing impacted a parked bulldozer located on the side of the airstrip. The impact caused substantial damage to the airplane's left wing.

Post-Accident Inspection

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation