N9791A

On August 28, 2001, about 2000 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Cessna 170A airplane, N9791A, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff from a private airstrip, about 17 miles east-northeast of Chickaloon, Alaska. 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 commercial certificated pilot and one passenger were not injured; the remaining passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on August 29, the pilot reported he was departing his airstrip on runway 24 to transport his passengers to Anchorage, Alaska. The airstrip is 2,200 feet long by 70 feet wide, and is located at 1,875 feet msl on a 060/240 degree magnetic orientation. The pilot said he added full engine power, and pushed the carburetor heat control off when he began the takeoff run. The airplane lifted off to about 20 feet agl near the departure end of the runway. The pilot said the airplane did not seem to be climbing and he aborted the takeoff by closing the engine throttle and intentionally stalling the airplane into trees at the departure end of the runway. The rear seat passenger received a fractured wrist. The airplane received damage to the wings, fuselage, and landing gear.

In the narrative portion of the Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) submitted by the pilot on September 10, 2001, the pilot stated, in part: "...took runway 24 and applied full power. Carb heat was out (heat was on)."

The pilot said the weather conditions at the time of the accident were broken clouds about 6,000 feet; unlimited visibility; temperature about 62 degrees F; and light wind from 240 degrees.