ANC96LA082

The takeoff was from a 1,600-foot long gravel runway in variable crosswind conditions. During the takeoff roll, about one-half way down the runway, the pilot noted a 10 knot decrease in airspeed. He elected to abort the takeoff, but was unable to stop the airplane prior to overrunning the end of the runway. The airplane's nose gear sheared off, and the airplane nosed over.

On June 4, 1996, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 207 airplane, N91052, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff from the Akiachak Airport, Akiachak, Alaska. The commercial certificated pilot, and the sole passenger aboard, received minor injuries. The on-demand, 14 CFR Part 135 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. A company VFR flight plan was in effect.

According to the company's Director of Operations (D.O.), the pilot was attempting to takeoff from runway 11 in crosswind conditions. Runway 11 is gravel surfaced, and 1600 feet long, by 50 feet wide. The D.O said the pilot was dissatisfied with the airplane's acceleration, and elected to abort the takeoff. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane prior to the end of the runway, and the airplane continued off the end of the runway, entered a small ditch, and nosed over.

The pilot's written statement submitted to the NTSB indicates that the pilot was attempting to takeoff in variable crosswind conditions. The pilot stated that the observed wind was from approximately 340 to 020 degrees at 10 knots. He wrote that during the takeoff roll, about one-half way down the runway, he noted a 10 knot decrease in airspeed. He elected to immediately abort the takeoff, but was unable to stop the airplane prior to it going off the end of the runway and sliding into a shallow depression. The nosegear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot believes the abrupt change in indicated airspeed was due to windshear. The pilot reported there was no preaccident mechanical malfunction with the airplane.