Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND BEAVER DHC-2 near Iliamna, AK — 2009-07-22

Final reportANC09LA072
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Date
2009-07-22
Location
Iliamna, AK, USA
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND BEAVER DHC-2
Registration
N68088
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff area with an unfavorable wind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing from a river, downstream, in a float-equipped airplane, on a Title 14, CFR Part 135, on demand charter flight. He said that wind conditions were calm just before starting his southerly takeoff run. Just after takeoff, as the airplane climbed to about 20 feet above the water, it stopped climbing as it neared the departure end of the site. The airplane then descended into an area of tree-covered terrain, and came to rest about 400 feet from the bank of the river. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane, and said that after the accident, he noticed occasional gusts of wind from the northwest.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when climb stopped near tree-covered terrain.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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