Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after liftoff from the remote lake, the airplane was climbing at the best angle of climb airspeed when it encountered 'dead air'. The airspeed began to decrease, and the airplane began to lose altitude. It then collided with several trees about 1/2 mi from the point of departure. The pilot described the wind conditions as light and variable.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 14, 1994, at 2015 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N3930Z, owned and operated by 4W Air of Soldotna, Alaska, a 14 CFR Part 135 on-demand commercial operator, collided with a tree during the takeoff climb from Nikabuna Lakes, approximately 35 miles southwest of Port Alsworth, Alaska. The commercial certificated pilot-in-command and his one passenger, the sole occupants, were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 135 flight was conducted for the purpose of hunting for moose. A company VFR flight plan was in effect and visual meteorological conditions with calm winds prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that after becoming airborne, the airplane was climbing at the best angle of climb airspeed. The airplane then encountered what the pilot described as "dead air". The airspeed began to decrease and the airplane lost altitude. While in a shallow left bank turn, the right wing of the plane collided with a tree about 1/2 mile from the departure point. The airplane then struck additional trees and descended to the ground. -