Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND DHC-2 MK. I(L20A) near Twin Hills, AK — 2023-07-13

Final reportANC23LA054
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Date
2023-07-13
Location
Twin Hills, AK, USA
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND DHC-2 MK. I(L20A)
Registration
N302BL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that moments after takeoff from a lake he heard a loud bang, and the airplane impacted the water. The passengers stated that after takeoff there was a sound similar to a cable snap or a hammer hitting metal. The airplane made a hard left turn, and the left wing impacted the water. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane came to rest fragmented in a lake and the floats were not recovered; therefore, the fly wires and floats could not be examined, and the reason for the loss of control could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after hearing the initial bang.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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