DEHAVILLAND BEAVER DHC 2
Ketchikan, AK — June 1, 2018
Event Information
| Date | June 1, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA321 |
| Event ID | 20180604X11559 |
| Location | Ketchikan, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 55.21695, -132.23361 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
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 | 6 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 6 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch and directional control during a water landing.
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.
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.