Accident Details
The pilot of a scheduled commuter flight departed at night from an unlit, rough, and uneven snow-covered runway with five passengers and baggage. During the takeoff roll, the airplane bounced twice and became airborne but failed to climb. As it neared the departure end of the runway, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied full right aileron, but the airplane continued to the left as it passed over the runway threshold. It subsequently settled into an area of snow and tundra-covered terrain about 100 yards south of the runway threshold and nosed over.
Weather and Lighting Conditions
Official sunset occurred 48 minutes before the accident, and the end of civil twilight was one minute before the accident, meaning the flight took place in dark conditions.
Airport Information
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airport/Facility Directory, Alaska Supplement listing for the airport, includes the following notation: "Airport Remarks - Unattended. Night operations prohibited, except rotary wing aircraft. Runway condition not monitored, recommend visual inspection prior to using. Safety areas eroded and soft. Windsock unreliable."
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause
Given the lack of mechanical deficiencies with the airplane's engine or flight controls, it is likely the pilot failed to maintain control during the takeoff roll and initial climb after takeoff. The official probable cause is the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff when he realized the airplane could not attain sufficient takeoff and climb performance and his improper decision to depart from an airport where night operations were prohibited.