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June 1, 2018 · Dehavilland Beaver DHC 2 I · N203KL

Ketchikan, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 1, 2018
Injury Outcomes
6 injuries (6 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Ketchikan, AK
Aircraft
Dehavilland Beaver DHC 2 I (1961)
Tail Number
N203KL
Operator
Rdm Pilot/Guide
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA321

The pilot reported that, during approach to the ocean bay, the float-equipped airplane encountered very light turbulence. The touchdown was normal, but seconds later he "felt" a strong wind on the airplane's tail from the left that lifted the tail. The front of the right float submerged, and he immediately "pulled back and left" on the controls with no response. Subsequently, the right float struts collapsed, and the right wing impacted the water, the airplane spun about 90° to 120° to the right, the left wing impacted the water, and the airplane came to rest upright on the floats. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation system about 20 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 160° at 9 knots. The pilot landed to the south.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during approach to the ocean bay, the float-equipped airplane encountered very light turbulence. The touchdown was normal, but seconds later he "felt" a strong wind on the tail from the left, that lifted the tail of the airplane. The front of the right float submerged, and he immediately "pulled back and left" on the controls with no response. Subsequently, the right float struts collapsed and the right wing impacted the water, the airplane spun approximately 90° to 120° to the right, the left wing impacted the water, and the airplane came to rest upright on the floats. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation system about 20 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 160° at 9 knots. The pilot landed to the south.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDehavilland Beaver DHC 2 I
Tail NumberN203KL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRdm Pilot/Guide
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-985 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats9

People & Injuries

Injury Summary6 injuries (6 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor6
Uninjured1
Total7
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 9 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 45 C
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data