Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver near Tutna Lake: 4 killed

Date & Time: Aug 18, 1985 at 1403 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N68085
Survivors:
No
Site:
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 flying hours:
4190
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
Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Kenai: 1 killed

Date & Time: Mar 14, 1981 at 1500 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
N6473
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Anchorage - East Twin Lake
MSN:
410
YOM:
1952
Location:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
2304
Captain / Total hours on type:
702.00
Circumstances:
While completing a turn at low height, the aircraft stalled and crashed near Kenai. The passenger was seriously injured and the pilot was killed.
Probable cause:
Stall after the pilot failed to maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot exercised poor judgment,
- Inadequate preflight preparation,
- Improperly loaded aircraft,
- Unfavorable wind conditions,
- Low level turn,
- Aircraft at least 1,230 lbs over gross weight,
- CofG 5% aft of rear limits.
Final Report: