Helio H-295-1400 N295SC accident near Deadhorse, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to extend the airplane’s wing flaps before takeoff and her selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, which resulted in a collision with a concrete loading ramp during the aborted takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot said that due to a strong westerly wind, she elected to takeoff from the east/west taxiway instead of using the north/south runway. Before departure, the pilot paced off her intended takeoff path and determined that she had a 1,200-foot-long, 200-foot-wide gravel surface that was free of obstructions. During the takeoff run, the weight shifted off the main wheels, but the tail of the airplane did not come up, and the airplane did not climb. The pilot aborted the takeoff and applied heavy braking, but the airplane drifted left of her intended path and struck a concrete loading ramp. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Photos provided by first responders revealed that the airplane’s flaps were in the up position upon arrival. The pilot reported that after the accident she did not retract the airplane’s wing flaps. Thus, due to the lack of mechanical anomalies with the airplane, the length of takeoff area, and the postaccident discovery of the flaps in the up position, it is likely that the pilot failed to properly configure the airplane’s wing flaps before takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12LA056 for the full record.