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NTSB Report
August 11, 2018 · De Havilland DHC8 402 · N449QX
Steilacoom, WA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 11, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Steilacoom, WA
Aircraft
De Havilland DHC8 402 (2012)
Tail Number
N449QX
Operator
Horizon Air Industries
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
WPR18FA220
On August 10, 2018, about 2043 Pacific daylight time, a De Havilland DHC-8-402, N449QX, was destroyed when it impacted trees on Ketron Island, near Steilacoom, WA. The noncertificated pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to Horizon Air Industries, Inc,. and was being operated by the noncertificated pilot as an unauthorized flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time of the event, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane departed from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, Washington, about 1932. Horizon Air personnel reported that the noncertificated pilot was employed as a ground service agent and had access to the airplanes on the ramp. The investigation of this event is being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The NTSB provided requested technical assistance to the FBI, and any material generated by the NTSB is under the control of the FBI. The NTSB does not plan to issue an investigative report or open a public docket.
NTSB Probable Cause
The NTSB did not determine the probable cause of this event and does not plan to issue an investigative report or open a public docket. The investigation of this event is being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Full Narrative
On August 10, 2018, about 2043 Pacific daylight time, a De Havilland DHC-8-402, N449QX, was destroyed when it impacted trees on Ketron Island, near Steilacoom, WA. The noncertificated pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was registered to Horizon Air Industries, Inc., and was being operated by the noncertificated pilot as an unauthorized flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time of the event, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane departed from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, Washington, about 1932. Horizon Air personnel reported that the noncertificated pilot was employed as a ground service agent and had access to the airplanes on the ramp. The investigation of this event is being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The NTSB provided requested technical assistance to the FBI, and any material generated by the NTSB is under the control of the FBI. The NTSB does not plan to issue an investigative report or open a public docket.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:43 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDe Havilland DHC8 402
Tail NumberN449QX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorHorizon Air Industries
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney Canada · PW150A · Turboprop | Pratt & Whitney Canada · PW150A · Turboprop
Seats78
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · None · Fatal
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 57
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time03:53
Weather SourceWFAC