Primary finding
Probable cause
A failure of the pilot to provide sufficient takeoff distance from the edge of the departure lake and his premature liftoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The certificated private pilot was departing a remote lake. National park rangers observed the airplane collide with tundra at the north end of the lake as the airplane was just taking off. In a written statement to the park rangers, the pilot indicated that he taxied onto the lake and began his takeoff toward the north. He reported that he did not allow sufficient takeoff distance and the airplane descended into the tundra.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 17, 1996, about 2030 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Cessna 170B, N3546C, collided with terrain during takeoff from a remote lake, about 53 miles west of Cantwell, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A Denali National Park Ranger reported that the pilot was departing Wonder Lake. The airplane was observed to collide with the tundra at the north end of the lake as the airplane was just taking off. In a written statement to the park rangers, the pilot indicated that he taxied onto the lake and began his takeoff toward the north. He reported that he did not allow sufficient takeoff distance and the airplane descended into the tundra. -