NTSB Factual Report

On July 22, 2009, about 0940 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 (Beaver) airplane, N68088, sustained substantial damage when it collided with tree-covered terrain after takeoff, about 62 miles west of Iliamna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on demand charter flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was owned and operated by Iliamna Air Taxi, Inc., Iliamna. The commercial pilot and four passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight was returning to the operator's base in Iliamna.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on July 22, the pilot related that before departing from the remote riverside fishing camp, he assessed the wind and water conditions before departing to the south and downstream. He said that wind conditions on the surface of the water were calm just before starting his takeoff run. The pilot reported that just after takeoff, as the airplane climbed to about 20 feet above the water, it stopped climbing as it neared the departure end of the site. He said as he attempted to climb the airplane, it passed over an area of tree-covered terrain at the end of the site, and then it began to gradually descend into the trees. According to the pilot, the airplane collided with a stand of trees, and came to rest about 400 feet from the bank of the river. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane, and he noted that after the accident he noticed occasional gusts of wind from the northwest.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff area with an unfavorable wind.