Summary
On August 14, 1997, a Champion 7ECA (N5507H) was involved in an incident near Kaktovik, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. A factor related to the accident was the rocky terrain.
On August 14, 1997, at 0730 Alaska daylight time, an American Champion 7ECA Citabria, N5507H, sustained substantial damage when it contacted terrain during takeoff from a gravel bar on the Hulahula River, about 50 miles south of Kaktovik, Alaska, at position 69-03.2 north latitude, 144-35.3 west longitude. The private certificated pilot and single passenger were uninjured. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as the return leg to Fairbanks, Alaska, from a sheep hunting trip. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and an extended flight plan had been filed with two other pilots.
The pilot stated that the airplane hit a rock during the start of the takeoff roll, and separated the tailwheel.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC97LA123. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5507H.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. A factor related to the accident was the rocky terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On August 14, 1997, at 0730 Alaska daylight time, an American Champion 7ECA Citabria, N5507H, sustained substantial damage when it contacted terrain during takeoff from a gravel bar on the Hulahula River, about 50 miles south of Kaktovik, Alaska, at position 69-03.2 north latitude, 144-35.3 west longitude. The private certificated pilot and single passenger were uninjured. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as the return leg to Fairbanks, Alaska, from a sheep hunting trip. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and an extended flight plan had been filed with two other pilots.
The pilot stated that the airplane hit a rock during the start of the takeoff roll, and separated the tailwheel. He initiated rescue by turning on his Emergency Locator Transmitter, and was recovered by a helicopter from the North Slope Borough.
Inspection of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed damage to lower ribs in the rudder.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC97LA123