Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's failure to use all of the available area (waterway) for the takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he was attempting to takeoff with his float equipped airplane from a slough. He said he did not use the full length of the area available for takeoff. Also, he said that upon reaching the end of the slough, the airplane's altitude was insufficient to clear the trees which lined the bank. The airplane collided with the trees and sustained substantial damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 22, 1995, about 1830 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N5177E, received substantial damage when it collided with trees during an attempted takeoff from a slough located approximately 5 miles southeast of Minto, Alaska. The owner/private pilot and the one passenger aboard were not injured. The personal flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The intended destination was the seaplane base at Fairbanks, Alaska. The pilot reported he did not use the full length of the slough (a portion of the Tolavana River)that was available for takeoff. During the takeoff run, he said the airplane reached the end of the slough prior to gaining sufficient altitude to clear the trees on the shore. The airplane collided with the trees and sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical difficulties with the airplane. -