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August 9, 2025 · Dehavilland DHC-2 MK 1 · N232KT

Soldotna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Soldotna, AK
Aircraft
Dehavilland DHC-2 MK 1 (1948)
Tail Number
N232KT
Operator
Rust S Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC25LA085

While en route to a remote fishing lodge in a float-equipped airplane, one of the passengers reported that the pilot saw a pack of wolves chasing a herd of caribou. The passenger said that the pilot then reduced the airspeed and entered a right-hand, descending orbit to allow all the passengers to see the animals below. The pilot reported that, during a right-hand turn, the airspeed was indicating about 75 knots and the airplane’s altitude was about 500 ft above ground level (agl), when the airplane encountered a downdraft and it began to descend. He added engine power and attempted to climb, but he realized he was not going to be able to clear the rising terrain ahead and performed a forced landing to an area of rock and tundra-covered terrain. During the forced landing, the airplane’s float struts and spreaderbars collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage. A review of archived Federal Aviation Administration Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane entered the orbits at 300 feet agl and the groundspeed was about 80 knots. As the airplane exited the multiple orbits, it was about 97 feet agl, while traveling at 58 knots groundspeed. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Climb capability-Not attained/maintained

Full Narrative

While en route to a remote fishing lodge in a float-equipped airplane, one of the passengers reported that the pilot saw a pack of wolves chasing a herd of caribou. The passenger said that the pilot then reduced the airspeed and entered a right-hand, descending orbit to allow all the passengers to see the animals below. The pilot reported that, during a right-hand turn, the airspeed was indicating about 75 knots and the airplane’s altitude was about 500 ft above ground level (agl), when the airplane encountered a downdraft and it began to descend. He added engine power and attempted to climb, but he realized he was not going to be able to clear the rising terrain ahead and performed a forced landing to an area of rock and tundra-covered terrain. During the forced landing, the airplane’s float struts and spreaderbars collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage. A review of archived Federal Aviation Administration Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane entered the orbits at 300 feet agl and the groundspeed was about 80 knots. As the airplane exited the multiple orbits, it was about 97 feet agl, while traveling at 58 knots groundspeed. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDehavilland DHC-2 MK 1
Tail NumberN232KT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRust S Flying Service
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-985-14B · Reciprocating · 450
Seats9

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 F / 48 F
Altimeter29.72 inHg
Observation Time07:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data