N4198D

On July 20, 1999, about 1505 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Helio H-395 airplane, N4198D, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from Kukaklek Lake, about 18 miles southeast of Igiugig, Alaska, at 59 degrees 07 minutes north latitude, 155 degrees 32 minutes west longitude. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by Branham Adventures Limited Partnership of Anchorage, Alaska, in support of a fishing lodge. The flight was departing on a return leg to the Kulik Lake Lodge, Alaska, after dropping off three passengers. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a company VFR flight plan was filed.

During a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) on July 21, the company owner stated that the pilot attempted a takeoff with a left crosswind of about 20 knots. The pilot aborted the first takeoff, then performed a downwind water taxi prior to attempting a second takeoff. The owner stated that the pilot left the flaps extended halfway, and commenced a second takeoff. The wind lifted the left wing, and the left float came off the water. The owner indicated the pilot applied power to continue the takeoff, the right float dug into the water, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage.

During a personal interview with the IIC on July 22, the pilot said that the wind was about 25 knots near the shore, and stronger toward the center of the lake. He attempted a takeoff with a left crosswind, close to the edge of the lake where there was shelter from the southwest wind. He aborted the first takeoff when he could not get the nose of the airplane to turn to the right, toward the river opening out of the lake. He then water taxied downwind farther into the lake, intending to takeoff into the wind with a longer takeoff run. During the taxi, the pilot did not retract the flaps from the 1/2 position. As he began to turn left, into the wind, the wind lifted the left wing. The pilot said that he had full aileron deflected into the wind, and added power in an attempt to bring the airplane's nose into the wind. He stated the right float dug in, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot also added that he was late for his next pickup, in a hurry, and should not have water taxied in high winds with the flaps extended.