N100PC

On July 17, 2001, about 1730 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Cessna 207 airplane, N100PC, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a remote beach site located about 5 miles north of Pilot Point, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was owned and operated by Rediske Air, Inc., Nikiski, Alaska. The certificated commercial pilot, and the five passengers, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was flied for the flight to Soldotna, Alaska.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on August 17, the pilot reported that while on the departure roll, just before takeoff, the airplane's right wing struck a truck-mounted gantry that that was parked on the beach. The pilot stated that he continued the takeoff, and ultimately made a precautionary landing at Igiugig, Alaska. Postaccident inspection revealed about twelve inches of the right wing was severed during the accident. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident anomalies with the airplane.