Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Ketchikan
Date & Time:
Aug 7, 1981 at 1030 LT
Registration:
N31618
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Ketchikan - Ketchikan
MSN:
858
YOM:
1956
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
541.00
Circumstances:
While returning to Ketchikan following a local touristic charter flight in the region, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions. In limited visibility due to fog, he lost his orientation then the control of the float equipped aircraft that crashed, bursting into flames. All six occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Uncontrolled descent and uncontrolled collision with ground after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot became lost/disoriented,
- The pilot suffered a spatial disorientation,
- Fog,
- Visibility down to zero.
- The pilot became lost/disoriented,
- The pilot suffered a spatial disorientation,
- Fog,
- Visibility down to zero.
Final Report:
