N7340U

On January 19, 2001, about 1635 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Cessna 207 airplane, N7340U, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from the Kongiganak Airport, Kongiganak, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand charter flight transporting mail under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was owned by Gussic Ventures Partnership, doing business as Hageland Aviation Services, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company visual flight rules (VFR) flight following procedures were in effect for the flight to Bethel, Alaska.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on January 20, the pilot reported that runway 36 had a light accumulation of freshly plowed snow. He added that winds were strong out of the east, estimated to be 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots, which required a correction for a right crosswind. The pilot said while on the departure roll, about half-way down the runway, the airplane veered to the left. He said that in an attempt to maintain runway alignment, he applied full right rudder, and full right aileron. Just before takeoff, the airplane's left main wheel contacted soft snow on the left side of the runway. The airplane pivoted 90 degrees to the left, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage.

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