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NTSB Report
March 27, 2020 · Wag-Aero Sportsman 2+2 · N5045X
Wasilla, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 27, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Wasilla, AK
Aircraft
Wag-Aero Sportsman 2+2 (1987)
Tail Number
N5045X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC20CA039
The pilot reported that, during takeoff from an icy ski strip, there was a "light variable quartering tailwind from the south west." During the takeoff run, the ski- and tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left, and the pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder. As the airplane became airborne, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane "swung around" before coming to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff from an icy ski strip in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing impacting a tree.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff from an icy ski strip, there was a "light variable quartering tailwind from the south west." During the takeoff run, the ski and tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left and the pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder. As the airplane became airborne, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane was "swung around" before coming to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage. An automated weather observation system located about 4 miles away from the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 040° at 13 knots, gusting to 24 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 7.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportLeisurewood Airstrip (0nm NW)
Runway07
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWag-Aero Sportsman 2+2
Tail NumberN5045X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 13 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C / 3 C
Altimeter29.69 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC