Accident Maule M-6-235 N5651D, Friday 31 August 1984

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Date:	Friday 31 August 1984
Time:	11:30 LT
Type:	Maule M-6-235
Owner/operator:	Sourdouhg Outfitters
Registration:	N5651D
MSN:	747C
Total airframe hrs:	247 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming IO-540
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 5
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Bettles, AK - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Executive
Departure airport:	Bettles, AK (BTT)
Destination airport:	Walker Lake, AK
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN OVERHANGING TREE BRANCH DURING A RIVER TAKEOFF. THE PLT WAS TRYING TO NEGOTIATE A BEND IN THE RIVER WHILE ON THE 'STEP' FOR TAKEOFF. THE PLT SAID HE HAD VERY LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN THE MODEL ACFT AND IT GOT LIGHT ON THE FLOATS AND SKIPPED IN THE TURN QUICKER THAN HE WAS 'USED TO' IN OTHER ACFT.

Probable Cause:

Accident investigation: