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NTSB Report
August 31, 1992 · Piper PA-12 · N786BH
Sparrevohn, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sparrevohn, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N786BH
Operator
James F Ellis
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ANC92LA150
THE LODGE EMPLOYEE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE TOOK OFF FROM A SMALL LAKE TOWARD RISING TERRAIN THAT HE COULD NOT OUTCLIMB. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE TRIED TO TURN AROUND BELOW THE LEVEL AND CLIPPED A TREE WITH HIS WING TIP AND THE SPREADER BARS ON THE FLOATS. AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN MARSHY AREA NEAR THE LAKE. THE PILOT SAID THAT HE BELIEVED HE MISJUDGED THE TAKEOFF AND POSSIBLY ACCEPTED A TAILWIND COMPONENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT EXERCISED POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY TAKING OFF WITH A TAILWIND COMPONENT. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE WIND IN THE AREA AND THE RISING HILLY/MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN IN THE TAKEOFF PATH.
Full Narrative
THE LODGE EMPLOYEE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE TOOK OFF FROM A SMALL LAKE TOWARD RISING TERRAIN THAT HE COULD NOT OUTCLIMB. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE TRIED TO TURN AROUND BELOW THE LEVEL AND CLIPPED A TREE WITH HIS WING TIP AND THE SPREADER BARS ON THE FLOATS. AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN MARSHY AREA NEAR THE LAKE. THE PILOT SAID THAT HE BELIEVED HE MISJUDGED THE TAKEOFF AND POSSIBLY ACCEPTED A TAILWIND COMPONENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN786BH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJames F Ellis
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 36 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO