N8835K

On August 5, 1998, about 1030 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Stinson 108-1 airplane, N8835K, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from an off airport site located about 70 miles southwest of Delta Junction, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated airline transport pilot, and the one passenger aboard were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was returning to Delta Junction, where it had departed on August 3.

In his written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot noted that he was attempting a southwesterly departure from a 750 feet long dry creek bed. He stated that during the takeoff roll, and about 700 feet down the creek bed, he applied 25 degrees of flaps. He said that the airplane became airborne, but failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear rising terrain. The airplane's right wing collided with a stand of trees, pivoting the airplane to the right, and the left wing struck the ground.

The airplane's wings, and lower left longeron sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that the wind conditions at the time of the accident were light and variable, favoring a southwesterly departure.