DEHAVILLAND BEAVER DHC 2
Akhiok, AK — September 14, 2013
Event Information
| Date | September 14, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ANC13CA098 |
| Event ID | 20130915X53135 |
| Location | Akhiok, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 57.19167, -154.50389 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | DEHAVILLAND |
| Model | BEAVER DHC 2 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 4 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in a gusty tailwind.
Full Narrative
The pilot of a float-equipped airplane reported that he was attempting to takeoff from a river, in the same direction as the 3 to 5-knot current, with a 5-knot tailwind. During the takeoff run, as the airplane neared a bend in the river, it encountered a 15 to 20-knot quartering tailwind gust. He said that the airplane lost rudder authority due to the wind gust, and he was unable to steer around the river bend. The airplane subsequently struck the riverbank and came to rest upright. During the impact, the left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.