N7430N

On November 5, 1995, about 1645 Alaska standard time, a float equipped Cessna 206, N7430N, crashed during takeoff from the Kodiak Inner Harbor Seaplane base, Kodiak, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country on-demand passenger flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by Island Air Service Inc., Kodiak, Alaska, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot and the two passengers aboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect.

The pilot reported that during the takeoff run in a southwesterly direction, the airplane had just left the surface of the water when a gust of wind struck the airplane and it settled down onto the float step. The pilot continued the takeoff but had difficulty seeing the channel due to water on the windshield and glare from low angle sunlight. The pilot did not see a channel marking buoy and the right wing of the airplane collided with the buoy. After the collision, the pilot taxied back to the company base.

The airplane received damage to the outboard end of the right wing. In the area of the accident, the sun was calculated to be on a 235 degree azimuth and a 2.4 degree elevation above the horizon at the time of the accident.