Summary
On March 27, 2020, a Wag-aero Sportsman 2+2 (N5045X) was involved in an incident near Wasilla, AK. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff from an icy ski strip in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing impacting a tree.
The pilot reported that during takeoff from an icy ski strip, there was a "light variable quartering tailwind from the south west." During the takeoff run, the ski and tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left and the pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder. As the airplane became airborne, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane was "swung around" before coming to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage.
An automated weather observation system located about 4 miles away from the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 040° at 13 knots, gusting to 24 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 7.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC20CA039. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5045X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff from an icy ski strip in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing impacting a tree.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff from an icy ski strip, there was a "light variable quartering tailwind from the south west." During the takeoff run, the ski and tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left and the pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder. As the airplane became airborne, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane was "swung around" before coming to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage.
An automated weather observation system located about 4 miles away from the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 040° at 13 knots, gusting to 24 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 7.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC20CA039