Summary
On August 21, 2001, a De Havilland DHC-2 (N10395) was involved in an incident near Nondalton, AK. All 5 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, and wind gusts.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC01LA121. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N10395.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, and wind gusts.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC01LA121