BIG LAKE, AK, USA
N5760D
Piper PA-18-150
The pilot reported he had just changed his airplane's main landing gear configuration from wheels to floats. He said he was taking off to the west from a creek which entered a large lake. He estimated the wind was from the northwest at 10 to 12 knots as he began the takeoff run. Shortly after becoming airborne, he said a gust of wind, estimated at 30 knots or more, caused the right wing to lift and turn the airplane toward trees, which lined the creek bank. The pilot was able to level the airplane's wings, but was unable to turn away from the trees. Subsequently, the airplane collided with the trees and a small boat that rested in front of a lakeside home.
On May 14, 1996, about 1435 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Piper PA-18-150 airplane, N5760D, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during takeoff from Fish Creek, near Big Lake, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The local, 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot reported he had just converted his airplane from wheels to floats, and was departing to the west, from Fish Creek towards the juncture of Fish Creek and Big Lake. He estimated the wind as 10 to 12 knots from the northwest. Shortly after liftoff, he said a wind gust estimated at 30 knots, lifted the right wing and caused the airplane to turn left, toward adjacent trees. He said he was unable to correct quickly enough to avoid the trees, and the airplane subsequently struck trees located in front of a lakeside residence. The pilot said a small boat located near the crash site also received some damage.
the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure (or inability) to maintain clearance from trees after encountering gusty crosswind conditions. The wind condition and close proximity of trees were related factors.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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