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NTSB Report
September 2, 1989 · De Havilland DHC-3 · N17689
Sheenjek River, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sheenjek River, AK
Aircraft
De Havilland DHC-3
Tail Number
N17689
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89LA156
THE PLT RPRTD THAT AS THE ACFT WAS ON A SHORT FINAL APCH TO LAND ON A GRAVEL BAR, IT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. TO AVOID CONTACTING THE WATER, HE CORRECTED WITH ELEVATOR CONTROL & POWER, BUT THE ACFT GAINED MORE ALTITUDE THAN HE DESIRED. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT TOUCHED DOWN ON THE GRAVEL BAR BEYOND THE INTENDED TOUCHDOWN POINT. AS THE PLT WAS APPLYING HEAVY BRAKING TO STOP ON THE GRAVEL BAR, THE WHEELS DUG INTO THE SANDY TERRAIN & THE ACFT NOSED OVER.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO GO AROUND WHEN HE WAS UNABLE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT AND HIS EXCESSIVE APPLICATION OF BRAKES DURING THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: THE DOWNDRAFT, EXCESSIVE REMEDIAL ACTION, AND SOFT TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD THAT AS THE ACFT WAS ON A SHORT FINAL APCH TO LAND ON A GRAVEL BAR, IT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. TO AVOID CONTACTING THE WATER, HE CORRECTED WITH ELEVATOR CONTROL & POWER, BUT THE ACFT GAINED MORE ALTITUDE THAN HE DESIRED. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT TOUCHED DOWN ON THE GRAVEL BAR BEYOND THE INTENDED TOUCHDOWN POINT. AS THE PLT WAS APPLYING HEAVY BRAKING TO STOP ON THE GRAVEL BAR, THE WHEELS DUG INTO THE SANDY TERRAIN & THE ACFT NOSED OVER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDe Havilland DHC-3
Tail NumberN17689
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-59 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO