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May 28, 2017 · Dehavilland DHC 2 MK 1 · N561TA

Petersville, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (7 uninjured)
Location
Petersville, AK
Aircraft
Dehavilland DHC 2 MK 1 (1956)
Tail Number
N561TA
Operator
Talkeetna Air Taxi
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA294

The pilot of the ski-equipped airplane reported that, as the tailwheel touched down on the glacier, the snow was deeper and softer than he had expected. He added that, during the uphill landing, he chose not to stop the airplane and risk getting stuck. Instead, he completed a turn at the top of the landing area but was unable to straighten the direction of travel enough for a takeoff. Subsequently, to straighten the airplane before the takeoff, he completed a left 360° turn. During the downhill takeoff, the airplane had poor acceleration and insufficient airspeed to fly, so he aborted the takeoff. As he reduced the engine power, the airplane slowed to what he felt to be a reasonable speed, and he initiated a left turn to taxi back to the top. Subsequently, the right ski dug into the snow, and the airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Snow/slush/ice covered surface-Decision related to condition - C

Full Narrative

The pilot of the ski-equipped airplane reported that, as the tailwheel touched down on the glacier, the snow was deeper and softer than he had expected. He added, that during the uphill landing, he elected not to stop the airplane and risk getting stuck. Instead, he completed a turn at the top of the landing area, but was unable to straighten the direction of travel enough for a takeoff. Subsequently, to straighten the airplane before the takeoff, he completed a left 360° turn. During the downhill takeoff, the airplane had poor acceleration and insufficient airspeed to fly, so he aborted the takeoff. As he reduced the engine power, the airplane slowed to what he felt to be a reasonable speed and he initiated a left turn. Subsequently, the right ski dug into the snow, and the airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 AKDT
Nearest AirportGreat Gorge Of Ruth Glacier (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDehavilland DHC 2 MK 1
Tail NumberN561TA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTalkeetna Air Taxi
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R 985-AN-14B · Reciprocating · 450
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (7 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured7
Total7
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 30 C
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data