Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND DHC-2 MK. I(L20A) near Northway, AK — 2011-08-03

Final reportANC11TA079
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Date
2011-08-03
Location
Northway, AK, USA
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND DHC-2 MK. I(L20A)
Registration
N723DR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to identify unsuitable terrain for landing and subsequent contact with a dirt mound, resulting in the separation of the tailwheel from the airframe.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during the landing roll he noticed a problem with the tailwheel. After he unloaded the passengers, he realized that the tailwheel casting had broken and the tailwheel spindle and fork had separated from the airframe. He inspected the landing area and noticed that he had hit a 4-inch bank of dirt that he had not seen in the grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage bulkhead.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected landing area more thoroughly before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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