Cessna P206C N8665Z accident near Wasilla, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff from an unpaved airstrip, resulting in a collision with trees.

NTSB analysis

During takeoff the airplane, which was taking off for a parachute jump, collided with trees lining the side of the grass runway. The pilot said that a previous flight that day had been uneventful. During the accident takeoff he said he heard a "pop" at rotation and the airplane pulled to the left. He corrected with rudder and aileron, and the airplane drifted right. The right wing struck trees on the right side of the runway and the airplane veered off the runway to the right. The left wing impacted another group of trees and the left main landing wheel separated from the airplane after striking a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane showed no mechanical anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of directional control during takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11LA038 for the full record.