What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Nikiski Airport, a single-engine airplane struck a group of trees. The impact caused the aircraft to be destroyed upon contact with the ground. There were two people on board the aircraft at the time of the accident; both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash.
Findings
Official investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to the flight's preparation and execution. The primary cause was determined to be a collision with trees resulting from the pilot's failure to properly utilize or incorrectly managing the aircraft's flaps during the climb.
Additional factors noted in the investigation include:
- An improper weight and balance configuration, specifically that the aircraft was loaded beyond its maximum gross weight.
- A premature liftoff from the runway.
- Inadequate preparation prior to the flight.
- The use of full flaps during the takeoff sequence.
- Environmental atmospheric conditions, including the presence of both updrafts and downdrafts.