Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND DHC-2 near Talkeetna, AK — 2012-06-14

Final reportANC12LA051
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Date
2012-06-14
Location
Talkeetna, AK, USA
Airport
PATK
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND DHC-2
Registration
N121KT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power after departure due to the separation of an engine cylinder.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and six passengers were on an air tour flight over a remote area. After departure, and about 1200 feet above the ground, the engine began to run rough followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot made a forced landing to a gravel bar along a river. On landing, the airplane bounced over logs and ditches and sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that the No. 2 cylinder head had cracks radiating from the spark plug hole throughout the cylinder head, and it had begun to separate from the cylinder base.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine began to run rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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