NTSB Factual Report

On August 6, 2004, about 1715 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Aeronca 15AC airplane, N4433N, sustained substantial damage when it collided with bushes and then the ground during takeoff initial climb from a private airstrip, located about 4 miles northwest of Big Lake, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed, nor was one required.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on August 6, the pilot reported that the gravel surfaced airstrip is about 1,300 feet long and 40 feet wide, and is oriented southwest/northeast. There are power lines and trees at the southwest end of the airstrip. The pilot reported that the weather conditions included a temperature of about 85 degrees F, and the wind conditions were from the southwest, about 15 to 20 knots. He noted that a portion of the airstrip was obscured by dust as he taxied for takeoff. He said he decided to depart downwind, toward the northeast because of the obstructions at the southwest end of the strip. During the takeoff, the pilot indicated that the airplane lifted off at the end of the strip, but the left main landing gear tire and the left wing clipped bushes about 5 to 10 feet above the ground. The airplane then nosed into the ground and received structural damage to the right wing and right wing lift strut.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions and subsequent collision with high vegetation during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a collision with the ground. Factors contributing to the accident were the presence of a tailwind and bushes at the end of the airstrip.