19990825024819A

(.19) On August 25, 1999, about 0615 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Dehavilland DHC-2 airplane N930TG, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a remote lake, about 2 miles east of Iliamna, Alaska, at position 59 degrees 45 minutes north latitude, 154 degrees 22 minutes west longitude. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) flight under title 14, CFR part 135, when the accident occurred. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane for his fishing guide business, iliaska lodge, inc., of Iliamna. The certificated commercial pilot, and four passengers aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. During a telephone conversation with the national transportation safety board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on August 25, the pilot related that prior to his takeoff attempt, he noted that the lake surface had 2 feet tall, rolling swells. He said that during the takeoff run, before a safe flying airspeed was attained, the airplane floats struck a large wave, and the airplane lifted off the water prematurely. He said that before he could react, the left wing stalled, an d the airplane, and the airplane sank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wings. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. (-23) the pilot attempted a takeoff in the predawn hours and struck a swell that was approximately 3 to 4 feet in height. On the takeoff run, the left float struck the swell and dug in. The impact removed the floats and the aircraft immediately began to sink. The passengers and crew were able to evacuate the aircraft and stay on the float of the aircraft until a boat arrived approximately five minutes later. (.4) the certificated commercial pilot was attempting to takeoff from a lake with 2 feet tall, rolling swells. The pilot said that during the takeoff run, before a safe flying airspeed was attained, the airplane floats struck a large wave, and the airplane lifted off the water prematurely. He said that before he could react, the left wing stalled, and the airplane collided with the water. During the collision, the floats were torn off the airplane, and the airplane sank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wings. The closest official weather observation station is Iliamna. On August 25, 1999, at 0553, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) was reporting in part: wind, 259 degrees (magnetic) at 7 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds, 7,500 feet broken; temperature, 51 degrees f; dew point, 46 degrees f; altimeter, 29.52 inhg. Official civil twilight for Iliamna was at 0610.