Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND BEAVER DHC-2 near Ketchikan, AK — 2012-03-13

Final reportANC12LA026
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Date
2012-03-13
Location
Ketchikan, AK, USA
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND BEAVER DHC-2
Registration
N82SF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to depart in marginal visual meteorological conditions, and his continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed from an off-airport site in marginal visual flight rules conditions. Shortly after departure, the weather worsened, and flight visibility dropped to near zero in heavy snow. He attempted to follow the shoreline at a low altitude but was unable to maintain visual contact with the ground. He stated that he saw trees immediately in front of the airplane and attempted a right turn toward what he thought was an open bay. During the turn, the right float contacted a rock outcrop, and the airplane impacted the water. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have delayed departure due to worsening weather conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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