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NTSB Report
August 31, 1984 · Maule M-6-235 · N5651D
Bettles, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 1984
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Bettles, AK
Aircraft
Maule M-6-235
Tail Number
N5651D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC84LA151
THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN OVERHANGING TREE BRANCH DURING A RIVER TAKEOFF. THE PLT WAS TRYING TO NEGOTIATE A BEND IN THE RIVER WHILE ON THE 'STEP' FOR TAKEOFF. THE PLT SAID HE HAD VERY LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN THE MODEL ACFT AND IT GOT LIGHT ON THE FLOATS AND SKIPPED IN THE TURN QUICKER THAN HE WAS 'USED TO' IN OTHER ACFT.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN OVERHANGING TREE BRANCH DURING A RIVER TAKEOFF. THE PLT WAS TRYING TO NEGOTIATE A BEND IN THE RIVER WHILE ON THE 'STEP' FOR TAKEOFF. THE PLT SAID HE HAD VERY LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN THE MODEL ACFT AND IT GOT LIGHT ON THE FLOATS AND SKIPPED IN THE TURN QUICKER THAN HE WAS 'USED TO' IN OTHER ACFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMaule M-6-235
Tail NumberN5651D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 27 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility100 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO