De Havilland DHC 2 MK. I(L20A)

Kukaklek Lake, AK — September 24, 2018

Event Information

DateSeptember 24, 2018
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA18CA581
Event ID20181010X53844
LocationKukaklek Lake, AK
CountryUSA
Coordinates59.19000, -155.14999
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeDe Havilland
ModelDHC 2 MK. I(L20A)
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
None5
Total Injured2

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a sand bar during a water takeoff, which resulted in the airplane impacting a river bank.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a river to pick up passengers, he observed that the river was low, and sand bars were visible. During takeoff, the left float contacted a sand bar in shallow water and the airplane impacted the river bank.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

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.

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