The pilot of the float-equipped Helio Courier stated that after takeoff from a lake near Bethel, Alaska, about 30-50 feet above the treetops, the plane encountered a downdraft and descended uncontrolled into trees and terrain.
The nearest weather reporting station was 7 nm to the north, and reported that the wind was 350° true at 17 knots, with gusts to 23.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the elevator.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain a positive climb rate during takeoff initial climb, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with trees and terrain.
NTSB Identification: GAA15CA268
This September 2015 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
“NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.”
Note, NTSB DID NOT TRAVEL.
If this is the aircraft that I believe it to be, it has leading edge slats that auto deploy and large trailing edge flaps. It is known for its STOL abilities. If I remember correctly, Vs0 is about 30KIAS.
Now, if it had the original geared engine, there might have been a problem with it. But I just don’t think any simple down draft would have put that plane in the trees. Something else was going on and the NTSB, for a part 135 flight in Alaska, just didn’t want to deal with it.
I’d be interested in a better explanation.
Three’s a video of the incident so it should be easy to confirm if it is the Helio that you think it is.
https://youtu.be/PpmzZX7-VtA
The Ntsb stated that the pilot did not have a positive climb rate, which
i believe that he did, but the down draft he encountered was unexpected
so why blame the pilot? Accidents do happen.