Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to take off downwind from unsuitable terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot departed from a short, rough field. He said he elected to depart with a tailwind due to the slope of the takeoff area. About 100 feet above the ground, the airplane encountered a stronger tailwind, and stopped climbing. The pilot did not turn away from the rising terrain because he thought the airplane would stall. The airplane was unable to out-climb the rising terrain, and impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11CA040 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 29, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chickaloon, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Sheep Mountain (PASP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N89424
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.