Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The commercial certificated pilot was departing a remote, snow-covered airstrip on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, cross-country positioning flight in a wheel-ski equipped airplane. The pilot reported that during the takeoff run, he aborted the takeoff because of soft snow conditions. As the airplane slowed, it drifted to the right, and the right wing struck a tree. From the cockpit, the pilot said he saw what appeared to be minor scuffing on the right wingtip. The pilot then took off in the opposite direction, and landed at his destination. Inspection of the airplane by maintenance personnel revealed denting of the leading edge of the right wing, denting along the underside of the right wing, and a tear in the underside of the right wing aileron.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC08CA034 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 5, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcgrath, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Tatitna Airstrip (8KA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
De Havilland DHC-2
- N-number
- N323KT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.