WASILLA, AK, USA
N5047Y
Bellanca 8GCBC
The certificated private pilot related that he was departing from a remote lake that is surrounded by 100 feet tall trees. He said that prior to starting his takeoff run, he estimated the winds to be light and variable, favoring an easterly takeoff. He reported that just after takeoff, about 50 feet above the trees, the wind increased to an estimated 25 to 30 miles per hour, and a strong downdraft pushed the airplane into trees. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
On August 23, 1999, about 1330 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Bellanca 8GCBC airplane, N5047Y, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees while departing from Memory Lake, located about 5 miles north of Wasilla, Alaska. The private pilot/airplane owner and the one passenger aboard received minor injuries. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on August 24, the pilot related that he was departing from a remote lake that is surrounded by 100 feet tall trees. He said that prior to starting his takeoff run, he estimated the winds to be light and variable, favoring an easterly takeoff. He reported that just after takeoff, about 50 feet above the trees, the wind increased to an estimated 25 to 30 miles per hour, and a strong downdraft pushed the airplane into trees. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were variable winds, and a downdraft.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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