Accident Cessna 170B N2780D, Wednesday 17 November 1982

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Date:	Wednesday 17 November 1982
Time:	12:30 LT
Type:	Cessna 170B
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N2780D
MSN:	25322
Total airframe hrs:	248 hours
Engine model:	Continental C-145
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Elim, AK - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Executive
Departure airport:	Elim, AK (ELI)
Destination airport:	Kotzebue, AK (C )
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE ACFT LIFTED OFF THE RWY ABOUT MIDFIELD, CLIMBED TO ABOUT 30-50 FT AGL & THEN BEGAN A DIVE. THE WITNESS HEARD NO CHANGE IN ENG SOUND. THE ACFT'S WING FIRST STRUCK A BOX SET ON TOP OF OTHER EQUIPMENT ON THE GROUND(ABOUT 4 FT 6 IN HIGH), STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD ON A SNOWMOBILE & THEN STRUCK THE VICTIM WHO WAS THROWN 15-20 FT. THE WITNESS STATED HE HAD TO DIVE TO THE GROUND TO ESCAPE INJURY. HE ALSO STATED HE HAD OBSERVED THE PLT'S ACFT DIVE AT PEOPLE ON A PREVIOUS OCCASION. THE PLT STATED HE WAS PRACTICING A FORCED LANDING.

Probable Cause:

Accident investigation: