19990823013349A

Acft crashed on take-off and sustained substantial damage, other circumstances are unknown. (.19) on August 23, 1999, about 1330 Alaska daylight time, a flight equipped Bellanca 8GCBC airplane, N5047Y, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees while departing from memory lake, located about 5 miles north of Wasilla, Alaska. The private pilot/airplane owner and one passenger aboard received minor injuries. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area flight under title 14, CFR part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on August 24, the pilot related that he was departing from a remote lake that is surrounded by 100 feet tall trees. He said that prior to starting his takeoff run, he estimated the winds to be light and variable, favoring an easterly takeoff. He reported that just after takeoff, about 50 feet above the trees, the wind increased to an estimated 25 to 30 miles per hour, and a strong downdraft pushed the airplane into trees. The pilot stated that there was no preimpact mechanical proble ms with the airplane. (-23) wind calm on surface, airman stated. He hit a bump in the air above the trees. The a/c settled into the tree tops, then to the ground through the trees to the ground nose first. (.4) the certificated private pilot related that he was departing from a remote lake that is surrounded by 100 feet tall trees. He said that prior to starting his takeoff run, he estimated the winds to be light and variable, favoring an easterly takeoff. He reported that just after takeoff, about 50 feet above the trees, the wind increased to an estimated 25 to 30 miles per hour, and a strong downdraft pushed the airplane into trees. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.