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NTSB Report
January 30, 1986 · De Havilland DHC-2 · N127WA
Metlakatla, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 30, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (9 uninjured)
Location
Metlakatla, AK
Aircraft
De Havilland DHC-2
Tail Number
N127WA
Operator
Temsco Airlines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA86LA049
WIND WAS 070 DEGREES AT 20 KTS WITH 6-12 INCH SWEELS. N127WA WAS POSITIONED AT NORTH SIDE OF DOCK FOR DEPARTURE TOWARD EAST. N1018H WAS HOLDING AT EAST SIDE OF DOCK. DECK HAND CAST OFF N127WA BEFORE PLT STARTED ENGINE; ACFT BEGAN TO DRIFT BACK INTO DOCK. PLT STARTED ENG, ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER AWAY FROM DOCK, BUT DOCK PROXIMITY PROHIBITED USE OF SUFFICIENT POWER TO ESTABLISH STEERAGEWAY UNDER EXISTING WEATHER CONDITIONS. N127WA DRIFTED AROUND NORTHEAST CORNER OF DOCK AND INTO N1018H. N127WA SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND PLT SHUT DOWN ENG. N1018H SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE, PLT TAXIED CLEAR. N127WA DRIFTED BACK INTO EAST SIDE OF DOCK, SUSTAINED FURTHER DAMAGE FROM WIND AND WAVE ACTION.
Full Narrative
WIND WAS 070 DEGREES AT 20 KTS WITH 6-12 INCH SWEELS. N127WA WAS POSITIONED AT NORTH SIDE OF DOCK FOR DEPARTURE TOWARD EAST. N1018H WAS HOLDING AT EAST SIDE OF DOCK. DECK HAND CAST OFF N127WA BEFORE PLT STARTED ENGINE; ACFT BEGAN TO DRIFT BACK INTO DOCK. PLT STARTED ENG, ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER AWAY FROM DOCK, BUT DOCK PROXIMITY PROHIBITED USE OF SUFFICIENT POWER TO ESTABLISH STEERAGEWAY UNDER EXISTING WEATHER CONDITIONS. N127WA DRIFTED AROUND NORTHEAST CORNER OF DOCK AND INTO N1018H. N127WA SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND PLT SHUT DOWN ENG. N1018H SUSTAINED MINOR DAMAGE, PLT TAXIED CLEAR. N127WA DRIFTED BACK INTO EAST SIDE OF DOCK, SUSTAINED FURTHER DAMAGE FROM WIND AND WAVE ACTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:15 AKST
Nearest AirportMetlakatla Seaplane Base (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDe Havilland DHC-2
Tail NumberN127WA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTemsco Airlines
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985 · Reciprocating · 450 | P&W · R-985 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (9 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured9
Total9
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Crew 2Age 56 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 36 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO