N456SF

Substantial
None

De Havilland DHC2S/N: 1683 TB51

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 4, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA251
Location
McCarthy, AK
Event ID
20190507X71836
Coordinates
61.128612, -142.415283
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 failure to maintain a proper approach path in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the airstrip and bouncing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
DE HAVILLAND
Serial Number
1683 TB51
Engine Type
Turbo-prop
Model / ICAO
DHC2DH2T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
11
FAA Model
DHC 2 MK III

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FEJES SAMUEL T JR
Address
PO BOX 111394
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99511-1394
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA251