Port Heiden, AK, USA
N4563B
Cessna 180
The commercial pilot reported that prior to starting his takeoff roll atop a 1,500 foot long volcanic cinder bed, he noted that the prevailing winds were out of the north, at 15 knots. During a northerly takeoff, just after liftoff, the northerly winds dissipated, and the airplane would not continue to climb. The airplane subsequently collided with a stand of trees at the departure end of the site, and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
On September 8, 2002, about 1400 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N4563B, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during takeoff from a remote off airport site, located about 20 miles east of Port Heiden, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country business flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by LaRose Guiding Service, Anchorage, Alaska. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight was en route to Pilot Point, Alaska. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on September 11, the pilot reported that prior to starting his takeoff roll atop a 1,500 foot long volcanic cinder bed, he noted that the prevailing winds were out of the north, at 15 knots. The pilot reported that during a northerly takeoff, just after liftoff, the northerly winds dissipated, and the airplane would not continue to climb. The airplane subsequently collided with a stand of trees at the departure end of the site, and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot did not submit an NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1).
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during initial climb, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. A factor associated with the accident was a variable wind.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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