19980630024809A

(From 19) on June 30, 1998, about 1830 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped champion 7GCB airplane, N9809Y, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a remote airstrip, about 20 miles southwest of Hope, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under title 14, CFR part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated commercial pilot/owner, and the one passenger aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the merrill field airport, anchorage, Alaska, about 1700. During a telephone conversation with the national transportation safety board investigator-in-charge, on July 1, the pilot reported that he was departing from a remote airstrip, estimated to be about 1200 feet long. He stated that while on the takeoff roll, the airplane passed through a small stream flowing across the airstrip, slowing the airplane's takeoff run. The airplane failed to become airborne and struck an embankment at the end of the airstrip. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. (From .4) the certificated commercial pilot was departing from a remote airstrip, estimated to be about 1200 feet long. He stated that while on the takeoff roll, the airplane passed through a small stream flowing across the airstrip, slowing the airplane's takeoff run. The airplane failed to become airborne and struck an embankment at the end of the airstrip. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. (-23) the pilot departed merrill field with one passenger, 30 lbs of baggage, and full fuel tank at 40 pounds over gross weight. After flying for 1.5 hours the pilot decided to land in the Chickaloon Flats. He made a low pass over an area with established wheel marks in the silt and sand mud flat area with some light vegetation growing at each end. He estimated the landing area at 1200 feet in length with calm winds. Surface of landing area was damp silt and sand with marsh grass. The landing was uneventful and took about half of the landing area to stop. The pilot back taxied to the southwest end of area. Pilot admittedly stated that he commenced take off to one northwest without conducting good ground reconnaissance and determining a go-no-go point for an aborted take off. After approximately 800' of take off r oll with 10 degree flaps (landing gear equipped with oversized tires) with tail wheel still in contact with ground and estimated 40-50 KIAS, the pilot attempted rotation when the nose turned 15 degrees to the left with a tidal gut ahead about 100 feet. The airplane cleared the hazard with a 20 foot wide creek bed ahead 80 feet. The aircraft tail wheel never left the ground but the opposite creek bank impact tore off the left main gear and damaged the strut, and the propeller detached at the attachment flanges and sliced through the left side of engine cowling bending only one blade. Pilot did not recall retarding the throttle but due to damage of the propeller blade it is assumed that he had retarded the power at the end of take off roll. The aircraft nose left a 30 feet long superficial scar in marsh grass before coming to complete rest on left wing tip. Pilot was wearing shoulder harness and ELT was activated from impact.