Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS DURING THE LANDING APPROACH, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE/CLEARANCE FROM TREES. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE GUSTY WIND CONDITION.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 9, 1995, about 0700 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped De Havilland DHC-2, N67112, collided with trees during a landing approach to Grosvenor Lake, about 40 miles east of King Salmon, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross- country business flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by Fox Bay Lodge, King Salmon, Alaska, received substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The pilot reported that he was landing to check on several of the lodge guests. During the landing approach, the pilot encountered a wind gust and the airplane collided with trees adjacent to the lake. The airplane received damage to the leading edge of the wing, engine cowling, and a hole in the float assembly. The pilot repaired the float and during a subsequent taxi test, the float assembly filled with water and the airplane partially sank. The pilot eventually recovered the airplane and it was flown to Anchorage for repairs.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector from the Anchorage Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), examined the airplane on July 18, 1995. He reported that the airplane had received structural damage to the airframe.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC95LA110