N53728

On September 19, 1999, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Bellanca 7GCBC airplane, N53728, sustained substantial damage after colliding with trees during takeoff from a remote area, about 47 miles north-northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska, at latitude 65 degrees, 35.5 minutes north, and longitude 147 degrees, 29.8 minutes west. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on September 21, 1999, the pilot reported he landed on a small ridge line at 2,700 feet msl, a few days before the accident to go hunting. He estimated the dimensions of the ridge consisted of a useable area about 475 feet long, and 40 feet wide. In preparation for takeoff, he pushed the tail of the airplane to the rear edge of the area. The wind condition was light and variable. He began the takeoff run toward the north, which was slightly downhill. The airplane lifted off the ground, but then began to descend. He said the airplane would not climb, and settled toward numerous small spruce trees. The airplane collided with the trees, and nosed over. It received damage to the right main landing gear, the right wing lift struts, and the left wing spar.

The pilot said his cargo consisted of about 60 pounds of camping equipment, and about 60 pounds of sheep meat. He also said there was no mechanical problem with the airplane's engine.

In the Pilot/Operator report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot, the pilot said the airplane may have encountered a tailwind gust, or swirling wind at the departure end of the ridge.