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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 5, 2017 · Cessna U206 G · N734GW

Chicken, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chicken, AK
Aircraft
Cessna U206 G (1978)
Tail Number
N734GW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA549

The pilot reported that, while taking off from a road, the airplane struck a road sign with its left wing. He explained that, during takeoff, the airplane had accelerated rapidly and that, in the next moment, he felt a lurch to the left. The parking brake, which he had forgotten to release, then released. He added that he had "incorrectly assumed" that the brake had grabbed and caused the lurch, not the unknown to him, sign strike. Subsequently, he corrected with rudder and continued the flight. He added that the airplane flew "normally" but that it had a "slightly left-wing heavy feel." He continued the flight without further incident. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that it had sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Sign/marker-Effect on operation - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while taking off from a road, the airplane struck a road sign with its left wing. He explained that, during takeoff the airplane had accelerated rapidly and in the next moment he felt a lurch to the left and at that moment the parking brake, which he had forgotten to release, released. He added that, he had "incorrectly assumed" that the brake had grabbed and caused the lurch, not the unknown to him, sign strike. Subsequently, he corrected with rudder and continued the flight. He added that, the airplane flew "normally," but that it had a "slightly left-wing heavy feel". He continued the flight without further incident. A post-accident examination revealed the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna U206 G
Tail NumberN734GW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 52
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data