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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 9, 1995 · Champion 8GCBC · N88297

Fairbanks, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 9, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Champion 8GCBC
Tail Number
N88297
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC95LA033

THE PILOT WAS DEPARTING A REMOTE OFF-AIRPORT LANDING AREA IN A SKI EQUIPPED AIRPLANE ON A PERSONAL CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT AT THE CONCLUSION OF A HUNTING TRIP. UTILIZING SNOW SHOES AND THE AIRCRAFT SKIS, THE PILOT PACKED THE SNOW IN THE TAKEOFF AREA. ADDITIONALLY, HE CUT SEVERAL TREES ABOUT 800 TO 1,000 FEET FROM THE DEPARTURE POINT TO CLEAR A DEPARTURE PATH. DURING THE TAKE- OFF RUN, THE RIGHT SKI DUG INTO SOFT SNOW, SLOWING THE AIRPLANE AND EXTENDING THE TAKEOFF RUN. AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE AIRCRAFT WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB ABOVE ADDITIONAL TREES AT THE END OF THE DEPARTURE AREA.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT PLANNING. A SHORT TAKEOFF AREA THAT WAS COVERED WITH SOFT SNOW WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

Full Narrative

On March 9, 1995, about 1300 hours Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Champion 8GCBC, N88297, collided with trees during takeoff from a remote off-airport landing area, about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross-country flight for the purpose of wolf hunting when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Fairbanks about 0800 hours. The pilot reported that he landed in an area of heavy snow and slightly rising terrain in the area of Birch Creek and Clums Fork in the Steese National Conservation Area. After hunting, previous winds of about 20 knots had become intermittent and gusty. Utilizing snow shoes and the aircraft skis, the pilot packed the snow in the takeoff area. In addition, he cut several trees about 800 to 1,000 feet from the departure point to clear a departure path. During the takeoff run, the right ski dug into soft snow, slowing the airplane and extending the takeoff run. After lift-off, the aircraft was unable to climb above additional trees at the end of the departure area. The airplane received damage to the wings and elevator.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 8GCBC
Tail NumberN88297
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C2E · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data