Amateur-built APEX N907AX accident near Wasilla, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance during takeoff, which resulted in impact with trees.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he planned to take the passenger on a local sightseeing flight. During takeoff from the 1,600 ft. long gravel-covered runway, the airplane performed as expected until reaching about 50 ft above ground level (agl), at which point the climb performance degraded significantly. He observed no change in engine performance or weather conditions. As the airplane neared the end of the runway, he realized that he would not be able to pass over the trees that bordered the airport and attempted to maintain direction control avoiding a heading to the larger trees. The airplane collided with the trees sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA058 for the full record.