Pilot Debrief

De Havilland DHC 2 MK. I(L20A) near Kukaklek Lake, AK — 2018-09-24

Final reportGAA18CA581
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Date
2018-09-24
Location
Kukaklek Lake, AK, USA
Aircraft
De Havilland DHC 2 MK. I(L20A)
Registration
N9RW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a sand bar during a water takeoff, which resulted in the airplane impacting a river bank.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a river to pick up passengers, he observed that the river was low and that sand bars were visible. During takeoff, the left float contacted a sand bar in shallow water, and the airplane impacted the river bank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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