SLEETMUTE, AK, USA
N1754U
Cessna 207
The certificated commercial pilot, with the three passengers, was departing downhill from a remote private airstrip. The airstrip is 12 feet wide. The landing gear of the airplane is 10 feet wide. When the pilot rotated the airplane for takeoff, he heard a loud bang. After lift off, the pilot discovered the elevator was jammed in the up position. He lowered the flaps, and reduced engine power. The pilot was able to control the airplane's pitch attitude by holding full forward elevator pressure on the control yoke, and applying full nose down trim. The flight landed at the destination airport without further problems. After landing, an inspection of the airplane revealed a dent in the underside of the aft edge of the left stabilizer, and the leading edge of the elevator. The dent was in-line with the left landing gear tire.
On September 13, 1998, about 1022 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 207 airplane, N1754U, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a remote private airstrip, about 51 miles south of Sleetmute, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by Inland Aviation Services Inc., Aniak, Alaska. The certificated commercial pilot, and the three passengers, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The operator reported the airplane was departing downhill on runway 14 at the Taylor Mountain Mine airstrip. The dirt/gravel airstrip, elevation 1,000 feet msl, is 1,950 feet long, and 12 feet wide. When the pilot rotated the airplane for takeoff, he heard a loud bang. After lift off, the pilot discovered the elevator was jammed in the up position. He lowered the flaps, and reduced engine power. The pilot was able to control the airplane's pitch attitude by holding full forward elevator pressure on the control yoke, and applying full nose down trim. The flight landed at Aniak without further problems. After landing, an inspection of the airplane revealed a dent in the underside of the aft edge of the left stabilizer, and the leading edge of the elevator. The dent was in-line with the left landing gear tire. The landing gear of the accident airplane is 10 feet wide.
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for departure. A factor in the accident was a narrow runway.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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