N3719T

On December 5, 1999, about 1530 Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Taylorcraft F-19 airplane, N3719T, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a remote airstrip, about 18 miles southwest of Skwentna, Alaska, at 61 degrees 40 minutes north latitude, 151 degrees 23 minutes west longitude. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The certificated private pilot received serious injuries, and the sole passenger aboard received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Lake Hood, Anchorage, Alaska, about 1415.

The pilot submitted a written report to the NTSB dated December 19. In his written report, the pilot indicated that he was attempting to do a touch-and-go landing on a snow-covered airstrip, before continuing on to his destination. He stated that just after touchdown, he realized that the snow was deeper than anticipated, and he applied full power. He wrote: "On takeoff, with soft snow creating additional drag, I had trouble attaining a comfortable takeoff speed. After lift-off, my ski hit a spruce tree, and I stalled." The airplane nosed over, and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and rudder.

The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.