Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

July 13, 2024 · Dehavilland DHC-2T · N535KT

Petersville, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (9 uninjured)
Location
Petersville, AK
Aircraft
Dehavilland DHC-2T (1967)
Tail Number
N535KT
Operator
Rusts Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC24LA064

The pilot was conducting an air tour flight when the airplane’s propeller rpm decreased and the propeller subsequently stopped producing noticeable thrust. The pilot cycled the propeller but the propeller rpm continued to decrease.. The pilot performed a forced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the airplane other than the loss of propeller pitch control and subsequent loss of thrust. Postaccident examination and testing of the propeller and overspeed governors revealed that they performed within their respective manufacturer’s specifications, and no abnormalities were observed that would have prevented normal operation. The engine was completely disassembled and all damage noted was consistent with impact. The cause of the propeller rpm becoming uncontrollable could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight loss of thrust due to an uncommanded feathering of the propeller for reasons that could not be determined.

Full Narrative

On July 12, 2024, about 1700 Alaska daylight time, a turbine-powered DeHavilland DHC 2T (Beaver) airplane, N535KT, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Petersville, Alaska. The pilot and eight passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 air tour flight. The pilot of the accident airplane was conducting an air tour flight within the Denali National Park and Preserve. The airplane departed from the Talkeetna Airport (TKA) about 1614 for a flight over the Tokositna Glacier before returning to TKA. The propeller rpm was set at 3000 and the engine torque was set at 82%. The pilot reported that, while operating over the upper elevations of the Tokositna Glacier, the engine torque indications decreased from 80% to 40% and the propeller was no longer producing any thrust. The pilot reached out to other pilots flying in the area to help in troubleshooting the problem. He cycled the propeller, and the torque indication went from 40% down to 30%. The propeller never went into the full feather position. The pilot performed a forced landing to an area of hilly, tree-covered terrain. He shut down the engine and turned off the fuel about 20 to 30 ft above the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the airplane other than the loss of propeller pitch control. The pilot had flown several flights in the accident airplane the day of the accident. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed propeller control continuity from the cockpit controls to the propeller governor. The engine chip detector was checked and no chips were observed. The reduction gear box filter screen was clean, as was the oil. The propeller governor screen was clean. The propeller governor was removed and the propeller blades were released from the “start locked” position. When the blades were released, high pressure oil was discharged from where the governor was removed. The discharge of oil verified oil was being supplied to the propeller governor and hub at the time of impact. The beta ring micro switch position rod was jammed in the beta ring assembly. The rod had pulled out of the rear bushing and was jammed against the bushing. All electrical components associated with the beta backup system were tested and operated as expected. Operation of the power lever and propeller feather systems caused all relays and switches to activate and deactivate as expected. Inspection of the circuit breaker system found that the circuit breakers functioned properly and were wired to the correct bus. No oil leaks were observed in the engine compartment or along the fuselage. The propeller and overspeed governors were tested and performed within their respective manufacturer’s specifications; no abnormalities were observed that would have prevented normal operation. The NTSB Materials Lab examined the beta switch assembly and was unable to determine if the jammed beta position rod existed before impact. The engine was completely disassembled. There was no buckling damage on the gas generator case or the exhaust duct. The gas generator case was found with one fractured bolt at one of the engine mounting pads. The power turbine shroud housing and the power turbine disk assembly were found with blade tip and path rub. There were no fractured flanges on the engine accessories. All damage to the engine was consistent with impact damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDehavilland DHC-2T
Tail NumberN535KT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRusts Flying Service
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W Canada · PT6A-34 · Turboprop · 680
Seats10

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (9 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured9
Total9
Crew 1None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 46 F
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data