Zone
Alaska

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Port Alsworth: 3 killed

Date & Time: Aug 11, 1994 at 1700 LT
Type of aircraft:
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
Operator:
Talnon Air Service
Registration:
N17394
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Caribou Lake - Niniski
MSN:
495
YOM:
1953
Location:
Port Alsworth
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
6200
Captain / Total hours on type:
3500.00
Aircraft flight hours:
6775
Circumstances:
The plane was observed to enter a valley with mountains on both sides. While the pilot was maneuvering the airplane to the left to reverse direction, it collided with terrain. Witnesses reported the plane's engine sounded normal and that the weather was good with clear skies, unlimited visibility and light wind. A pilot who flew over the accident site minutes after the mishap reported the area was devoid of turbulence. This was a part 135, on-demand, lodge/hunting guide operation. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to remain clear of mountainous terrain. The box/blind canyon and proximity of mountainous terrain were related factors.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 207A Skywagon in Nikiski

Date & Time: Sep 28, 1980 at 1105 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair
Operator:
Winward Passage Aviation
Registration:
N6244H
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Nikiski - Kalgin Island
MSN:
207-0449
YOM:
1978
Location:
Nikiski
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2301
Captain / Total hours on type:
1203.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Nikiski Airport, the single engine airplane collided with trees and crashed. Both occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Collision with trees during initial climb after the pilot misused or failed to use flaps. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Premature liftoff,
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- Improperly loaded aircraft,
- Downdrafts, updrafts,
- Full flaps takeoff,
- Over max gross weight.
Final Report:

Crash of a Cessna 207A Skywagon in Nikiski: 1 killed

Date & Time: Aug 7, 1979 at 1110 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair
Operator:
Registration:
N6469H
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Nikiski - Kodiak
MSN:
207-0533
YOM:
1979
Location:
Nikiski
Alaska
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
9500
Captain / Total hours on type:
2000.00
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Nikiski Airfield, the single engine airplane failed to gain height, struck trees and crashed in flames in a wooded area. A pilot was killed while the second occupant was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
Engine failure during initial climb and subsequent collision with trees due to powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Failed to see and avoid objects or obstructions,
- inadequate preflight preparation,
- Misused or failed to use flaps,
- Set and soft runway,
- Improperly loaded aircraft,
- High obstructions,
- Momentary power reduction,
- 340 lbs over MTOW.
Final Report:
Subscribe to Nikiski