Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition, which resulted in a failure to maintain runway alignment. The crosswind and proximity of trees were related factors.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight was taking off from a gravel runway. The pilot stated there was a slight crosswind from the right. As the airplane lifted off it began to drift left. The pilot corrected with a right bank, but the left wing and left main gear struck the trees. The airplane veered to the left and came to rest in the trees adjacent to the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 29, 1995, at 1500 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 206G airplane, N5371U, operated by the pilot, drifted left of runway centerline during takeoff and crashed into trees on the left side of the runway at Port Alsworth, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, was departing Port Alsworth on a VFR flight plan and the destination was Anchorage, Alaska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The commercial certificated pilot and the two passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. During a telephone conversation with the pilot on July 31, 1995, he stated that there was a slight crosswind from the right. As he lifted off the airplane began to drift left. He banked the airplane to the right to correct the drift but the left wing and left main gear struck the trees adjacent to the runway. The airplane veered left and came to rest in the trees next to the runway. -