Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND BEAVER L-20A (DHC-2) near Port Alsworth, AK — 2024-06-11

Final reportANC24LA049
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Date
2024-06-11
Location
Port Alsworth, AK, USA
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND BEAVER L-20A (DHC-2)
Registration
N4957
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and five passengers departed from a remote lake in the float-equipped airplane. The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, he felt the manifold pressure decrease, and he advanced the propeller and throttle controls. The engine initially responded with an increase in rpm and manifold pressure but subsequently lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing into a heavily wooded area, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal engine operation. Passengers reported that the pilot made an aggressive steep turn at low altitude with no change in engine noise from takeoff to impact with terrain. Based on available evidence, it is likely that the engine sustained a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff after feeling manifold pressure decrease.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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