Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions, and failure to maintain directional control. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said he was attempting to take off from a remote, off-airport landing site in gusty wind conditions. He said a gust of wind 'stuffed' the airplane onto to the ground shortly after lift-off. He landed hard, and aborted the takeoff. The airplane subsequently ground looped and damaged the right wing and right main landing gear.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 5, 1996, about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Aviat Husky A-1 airplane, N54JK, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff from an off airport site located approximately 23 miles southeast of King Salmon, Alaska. The commercial certificated pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on August 8, the pilot said he was attempting to takeoff from tundra in gusty wind conditions. Soon after liftoff, he said a wind gust estimated at 20 knots "stuffed" the airplane hard onto the ground. He aborted the takeoff, and the airplane subsequently ground looped to the right, damaging a right wing rib and the right main landing gear. -