N10395

On August 21, 2001, about 1430 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 airplane, N10395, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from Six Mile Lake, Nondalton, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was owned by Ernest M. Brooks, and operated by Alaska Air Taxi, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The certificated commercial pilot, and the four passengers, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company visual flight rules (VFR) flight following procedures were in effect for the flight to Port Alsworth, Alaska.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on August 21, the pilot reported that just after takeoff, about 100 feet above the water, a very strong gust of wind rolled the wings of the airplane about 90 degrees to the left. He said that he applied full right aileron in an attempt to regain control, but the airplane descended, and the left wing struck the surface of the water. As the airplane's left wing struck the surface of the water, the wing separated from the fuselage, pivoted the airplane 90 degrees to the left, and the right wing stuck the water. Both floats were torn from the fuselage, and the airplane eventually sank in shallow water. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage.

The pilot reported that wind conditions at the time of the accident were out of the northwest at 20 knots, with gusts to 30 knots.