N2580DCessna 170B · 1952

On January 21, 2015 at 1142 Alaska standard time, a tailwheel-equipped, Cessna 170B airplane, N2580D, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during takeoff from Lake Hood Seaplane Base (Z41), Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed.

During an interview with an investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on January 21, 2015, the pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, after the brakes were released and full power was applied, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake in an effort to correct for the veer, but the airplane continued to the left, struck a runway edge light, and departed the runway into the snow covered median between the runway and an adjacent taxiway, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing.

A post accident examination of the airplane by the NTSB, along with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from the Anchorage Flight Standards District Office revealed no mechanical irregularities that would have precluded normal operation.

A post-accident weight and balance was accomplished by the NTSB using fuel load, passenger weights and seating location provided by the pilot. The aircraft was found to be about 82 pounds over the approved maximum gross weight of 2,200 pounds. The estimated center of gravity at the time of the accident was positive 43.53 inches. The center of gravity range at 2,200 pounds (maximum gross weight) is positive 40.8 inches to positive 46.4 inches.

The closest weather reporting facility is Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage Alaska, less than one mile from the accident site. At 1153, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) from the Anchorage Airport was reporting in part: wind from 120 degrees at 8 knots; sky condition, clear; visibility, 10 statute miles; temperature 12 degrees F; dew point 9 degrees F; altimeter 29.34inHG.

The certified flight instructor (CFI) was providing tailwheel instruction to a pilot who was going to purchase the accident airplane. They had completed 10.7 hours and 56 landings. The pilot planned to depart the following morning with the airplane owner so the CFI felt pressure to complete the pilot’s training. While practicing three point landings, the wind was gusting to 19 knots. After touchdown, the airplane began tracking to the right. The CFI was guarding the controls closely, but consciously tried to let the pilot recover on his own. The airplane then entered a swerve to the right which he was unable to correct with full application of left rudder and brake. The CFI reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.