N55WE

Substantial
None

DEHAVILLAND BEAVER DHC 2 MK.1S/N: 273

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, September 3, 2015
NTSB Number
ANC15CA075
Location
Arctic Village, AK
Event ID
20151217X50308
Coordinates
68.000000, -144.520004
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable, off-airport site, which resulted in a nose over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
DEHAVILLAND
Serial Number
273
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1952
Model / ICAO
BEAVER DHC 2 MK.1
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
8
FAA Model
BEAVER DHC-2 MK.1

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
D & B AIRCRAFT LEASING LLC
Address
PO BOX 231985
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99523-1985
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, from a rough and uneven tundra-covered off-airport site, it failed to gain sufficient airspeed, and he aborted the takeoff. The airplane's main wheels sunk into the soft tundra-covered terrain, and the airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he would have selected a more suitable off-airport site.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC15CA075