Helio H 395 N910SP

Summary

On 18 September 2015 at about 23:40 local time, a Helio H 395 registered N910SP, operated by Renfro's Alaskan Adventures, was involved in an accident near Bethel, Alaska, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

18 September 2015 at 23:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Bethel, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

61.4908, -162.4103

Aircraft

Helio H 395

Registration

N910SP

Category

Airplane

Year built

1964

Engines

1

Operator

Renfro's Alaskan Adventures

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Bethel → Bethel

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA15CA268

Nobody was injured.

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane stated that after takeoff from a lake, about 30-50 feet above the treetops, the airplane 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 degrees true at 17 knots, with gusts to 23. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the elevator. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.