Pilot Debrief

DEHAVILLAND DHC 2 MK.I near Nikolai, AK — 2015-09-14

Final reportGAA15LA281
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Date
2015-09-14
Location
Nikolai, AK, USA
Aircraft
DEHAVILLAND DHC 2 MK.I
Registration
N676SP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of directional control during a water takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not examined due to the remote accident location.

NTSB narrative

According to the commercial pilot, the flight of two float-equipped company airplanes was proceeding to the river for a passenger and cargo pickup. The accident airplane landed at the primary landing site on the river, and the pilot subsequently instructed the captains of the awaiting boats to move down river to the longer, alternate landing site where the second airplane was waiting. While departing the primary site to reposition the airplane to the alternate landing site and upon reaching the step phase of the takeoff from the river, the airplane's left wing impacted a tree, and the airplane then impacted a riverbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that he was unable to achieve sufficient directional control to avoid impact with the tree and riverbank while taking off from the river. Due to the remote accident location, the airplane was not examined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to abort takeoff to avoid tree impact.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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