# NTSB ANC06CA123: Frisby CH801, N801ZA, Palmer, AK, August 27, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 27, 2006, 14:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Palmer, AK
- Coordinates: 61.583332, -149.092498
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.5833&lon=-149.0925&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 64401
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC06CA123
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64401/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06CA123

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees during takeoff.  Factors associated with the accident were wind gusts, and trees bordering the airstrip.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The commercial certificated pilot was departing from a private airstrip surrounded by trees in a wheel-equipped experimental airplane, during a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight.  After becoming airborne, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left, and the left wing struck a stand of trees, which pivoted the airplane to the left.  The airplane subsequently collided with the ground, and sustained structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.  The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

## Factual narrative

The commercial certificated pilot was departing from a private airstrip surrounded by trees in a wheel-equipped experimental airplane, during a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight.  After becoming airborne, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left, and the left wing struck a stand of trees, which pivoted the airplane to the left.  The airplane subsequently collided with the ground, and sustained structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.  The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N801ZA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N801ZA-2016-12-15), registration cancelled 2016-12-15, S/N 84230, built 2004 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Frisby CH801
- Registry model: [Frisby James A STOL CH 801](https://openairdocs.org/model/frisby-james-a-stol-ch-801) (registry code 05609SO) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 84230
- Airframe hours: 100
- Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James A. Frisby
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 2006, 20 hours before
- Departed: Palmer, AK
- Destination: PAQ, PALMER, AK
- Airport: runway 09

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review May 1, 2006; seat: left; flight hours: 3,000 total, 100 in this make and model, 2,300 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20060827017949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060827017949A), Aug 27, 2006: Amtr STOLCH801, Palmer, AK, Substantial damage. (-23) According to the pilot he was attempting a takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind from the left. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway,…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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