On October 27, 1982, a DE Havilland DHC-3 (registration N3904) operated by Kachemak Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Homer, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After switching from floats to wheels, a pilot attempted takeoff from a bridge over Beluga Lake. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft veered left due to a wind gust, and the pilot's application of right brake caused the nose to drop, resulting in propeller blade tips contacting the ground.
Incident Overview
A pilot who had recently removed floats and reinstalled wheels on an aircraft initiated a takeoff from a roadway bridge that spans Beluga Lake. The flight was intended to ferry the aircraft to nearby Homer Airport.
Takeoff Sequence
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft veered left after encountering a wind gust. In response, the pilot applied right brake. This action caused the nose of the aircraft to tuck downward, allowing the propeller blade tips to strike the ground.
Outcome
Despite the propeller-ground contact, the pilot continued the takeoff and subsequently landed the aircraft at Homer Airport without further incident.