NTSB Factual Report

On July 4, 2005, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a tailwheel-equipped experimental Sweeney Preceptor Ultra Pup airplane, N106TB, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees, following an uncontrolled descent during takeoff initial climb from a private airstrip, 10 miles east of Chitina, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The commercial certificated pilot and sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.

In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) received July 13, the pilot wrote that due to the condition of the grass airstrip, the airplane did not accelerate as fast as he had anticipated, and he elected to "pull the airplane off the ground." He reported that as the airplane attempted to climb he tried to make a left turn toward open ground, but the airplane settled into trees.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff, and his premature lift-off resulting in a stall due to inadequate airspeed. The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff was a contributing factor.