De Havilland DHC2

McCarthy, AK — May 4, 2019

Event Information

DateMay 4, 2019
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA19CA251
Event ID20190507X71836
LocationMcCarthy, AK
CountryUSA
Coordinates61.12861, -142.41528
AirportUltima Thule Lodge
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeDe Havilland
ModelDHC2
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the airstrip and bouncing.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, on approach to land on a private, gravel-covered airstrip, a dust cloud obscured three-quarters of the airstrip, but the approach end of the airstrip remained visible. He added that, during the approach, the airplane encountered wind shear, the main landing gear impacted terrain before the approach end of the airstrip, the airplane bounced, and came to rest nosed down.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the landing gear box.

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

The pilot reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was variable from 060° to 120° at 20 knots gusting to 25 knots. The pilot landed the airplane to the east.

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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