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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

May 27, 2011 · Cessna P206C · N8665Z

Wasilla, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 27, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
Wasilla, AK
Aircraft
Cessna P206C
Tail Number
N8665Z
Operator
Walling Susette
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC11LA038

During takeoff the airplane, which was taking off for a parachute jump, collided with trees lining the side of the grass runway. The pilot said that a previous flight that day had been uneventful. During the accident takeoff he said he heard a "pop" at rotation and the airplane pulled to the left. He corrected with rudder and aileron, and the airplane drifted right. The right wing struck trees on the right side of the runway and the airplane veered off the runway to the right. The left wing impacted another group of trees and the left main landing wheel separated from the airplane after striking a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane showed no mechanical anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of directional control during takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff from an unpaved airstrip, resulting in a collision with trees.

Full Narrative

On May 27, 2011, about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 206 airplane, N8665Z, sustained substantial damage during a collision with trees, while taking off from a private grass runway, about 5 miles east of Wasilla, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by Alaska Sky Sports, Anchorage, Alaska, as a visual flight rules (VFR) parachute jump flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airline transport pilot and the 5 jumpers were not injured. During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on May 27, the pilot said the accident flight was the second flight of the day, and that the previous flight had been uneventful. In a written statement dated June 4, the pilot reported that during the accident takeoff he anticipated torque and P-factor, and a left crosswind. At rotation he heard a "pop," and the airplane turned sharply left. He corrected with rudder and aileron, but over corrected, and the airplane veered to the right, he reduced power, and attempted to regain directional control. The right wing struck trees on the right side of the runway, and the airplane veered off the runway to the right. On May 27, the airplane was examined by the NTSB IIC and an FAA aviation safety inspector at the accident site. In addition to damage to the right wing, the left wing impacted a group of trees, and the left main landing gear wheel separated from the airplane after striking a tree. The airplane came to rest in a grassy meadow on its belly and left wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. During a follow up examination of the flight controls and landing gear by the IIC, control continuity was established to all the flight controls. No mechanical anomalies were found with the main landing gear wheel brakes, and nose wheel steering. The fractured left landing gear leg was examined by the IIC and an engineer from the FAA Aircraft Certification Office. The fracture surface appearance was consistent with an overload fracture.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportFairview East (0nm)
Runway26
Runway Length3600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna P206C
Tail NumberN8665Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWalling Susette
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO 520 SERIES · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data