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Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Skwentna: 4 killed
Date & Time:
Jul 5, 1997 at 0930 LT
Registration:
N5164G
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Anchorage - Chelatna Lake
MSN:
506
YOM:
1953
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total hours on type:
2200.00
Aircraft flight hours:
13864
Circumstances:
The pilot boarded the 4 passengers and cargo (unsecured) for a chartered flight to a fishing lodge. The floatplane departed uneventfully. About 45 min. later, while cruising about 1,700 feet above rugged terrain and a river, the engine began to lose power and the floatplane descended. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a small lake that was 1,200 ft. in length and located about 1 mile west of the river. During the approach to landing, the airplane stalled and impacted swampy terrain at the lake's edge in a steep nose down attitude. An examination of the wreckage revealed that the no.1 engine exhaust pushrod had failed in fatigue just below the top (valve) ball end. Examination of the pushrod revealed that material had been pushed away from the rod during installation of the ball end. The fatigue crack may have initiated from a score mark produced by the installation. Pushrod life is reduced due to surface scratches. The life of the failed pushrod could not be determined. Insufficient information exists in the overhaul manual regarding pushrod life/inspection.
Probable cause:
A loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the no.1 exhaust push rod. Factors contributing to the accident were: insufficient information on pushrod inspection and overhaul from the manufacturer, unsuitable terrain available for landing, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the approach which led to an inadvertent stall.
Final Report:
![](/sites/default/files/import/Photos-1/Photos-75/N5164G.jpg)
Crash of a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter in Nikabuna Lake
Date & Time:
Aug 19, 1993 at 1522 LT
Registration:
N321KA
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Nikabuna Lake - Anchorage
MSN:
415
YOM:
1962
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
350.00
Aircraft flight hours:
7200
Circumstances:
The on-demand fishing/hunting charter air carrier pilot experienced a total loss of power and landed in a small lake. During the ground run following the emergency landing a oil-fed fire destroyed the aircraft. Investigators found inadequate flight following documentation, and fuel records or maintenance records for accident acft or operation. Passenger witnesses reported low fuel gauges prior to takeoff. Fuel pump examination indicated fuel starvation.
Probable cause:
Fluid, fuel starvation as a result of the pilot-in-command's improper inflight planning/decision. A factor in the accident was the operator's inadequate flight time and fuel upload record keeping.
Final Report:
![](/sites/default/files/crash/images/N321KA.jpg)
Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Chugiak: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Jun 10, 1988 at 1356 LT
Registration:
N48108
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Chugiak - Anchorage
MSN:
781
YOM:
1955
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The pilot-in-command, a certified mechanic, performed his own maintenance on the aircraft. This maintenance required the removal, reinstallation and rigging of the ailerons. As the pilot was taking off on the first flight after maintenance, the aircraft entered a roll after lift-off and crashed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. An investigation revealed the controls to the left aileron were connected in reverse.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) flight control, aileron - improper
2. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - company/operator management
3. (c) aircraft preflight - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) flight control, aileron - improper
2. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - company/operator management
3. (c) aircraft preflight - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff
Final Report:
![](/sites/default/files/crash/images/N48108.jpg)
Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Anchorage: 1 killed
Date & Time:
May 20, 1988 at 2121 LT
Registration:
N1435Z
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Anchorage - Anchorage
MSN:
1252
YOM:
1959
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Aircraft flight hours:
12737
Circumstances:
The airplane had undergone extensive maintenance which included work on the control column. The upper half of the control column was replaced with a throw-over yoke and the aileron system was rerigged. The pilot-in-command picked up the airplane after it was tied down outside for three months. According to a witness, the airplane lifted off the water and started a left bank which increased until the airplane struck the ground. Post accident examination revealed the control cables at the base of the control column operated in reverse of the description in the maintenance manual. Complete control continuity could not be concluded because of the extensive post impact fire which destroyed the overhead bellcrank, pulley, and interconnect system. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) flt control syst, aileron control - incorrect
2. (c) maintenance, major repair - improper - other maintenance personnel
3. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) flt control syst, aileron control - incorrect
2. (c) maintenance, major repair - improper - other maintenance personnel
3. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:
![](/sites/default/files/crash/images/N1435Z.jpg)
Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver near Tutna Lake: 4 killed
Date & Time:
Aug 18, 1985 at 1403 LT
Registration:
N68085
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Anchorage - Tutna Lake
MSN:
1332
YOM:
1959
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Captain / Total hours on type:
406.00
Aircraft flight hours:
9018
Circumstances:
The aircraft crashed on the side of a mountain at an elevation of 2,200 feet approximately 3 miles from its intended destination, a remote lake. Purpose of the flight was to discharge caribou hunters into an area where caribou were spotted early that day. The aircraft was destroyed by fire. Inspection of the wreckage failed to reveal a mechanical failure/malfunction. All four occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
2. (c) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
3. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
Phase of operation: maneuvering
Findings
1. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
2. (c) in-flight planning/decision - poor - pilot in command
3. (c) proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command
Final Report:
![](/sites/default/files/import/Photos-71/N68085.jpg)
Crash of a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter in Anchorage: 1 killed
Date & Time:
May 21, 1975 at 0905 LT
Registration:
N90574
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Anchorage - Aniak
MSN:
174
YOM:
1956
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
20.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from the gravel airstrip at Anchorage-Lake Hood, the single engine airplane encountered difficulties to gain height. It struck a lumber stack, a fence and crashed in flames onto a parking lot where five cars were damaged. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. He was en route to Aniak on a cargo flight.
Probable cause:
Inadequate preflight preparation on part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- Lack of familiarity with aircraft,
- Improperly loaded aircraft,
- Incorrect trim setting,
- Aircraft at least 484 lbs over max gross weight.
- Failed to maintain flying speed,
- Lack of familiarity with aircraft,
- Improperly loaded aircraft,
- Incorrect trim setting,
- Aircraft at least 484 lbs over max gross weight.
Final Report:
![](/sites/default/files/crash/images/N90574.jpg)
Crash of a Noorduyn UC-64A Norseman in Anchorage
Date & Time:
Aug 4, 1950
Registration:
45-41746
MSN:
830
YOM:
1945
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Crash landed for unknown reason. Occupant fate unknown.