On December 7, 1987, a DE Havilland DHC-2 MK1 (registration N17597) was involved in an aviation accident near Metlakatla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach in gusting winds, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A seaplane stalled during a landing attempt in high gusting winds, striking the water hard and sinking after the pilot held full aft elevator.
What happened
The aircraft was on final approach for landing when it encountered high gusting winds. During the descent, one passenger reported that the pilot was holding full aft elevator. The aircraft then stalled and entered a nose-down attitude. It struck the water hard, which caused the floats to break off. The aircraft sank several minutes after striking the water. This seaplane had no stall warning system.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances of the accident, including the weather conditions and the pilot's control inputs. The lack of a stall warning system was noted as a factor in the event.
Findings
Contributing factors included the high gusting winds and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach. The absence of a stall warning system meant there was no auditory or visual alert to indicate the impending stall.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach in gusting winds, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the water.
What happened in the 7 Dec 1987 DE Havilland DHC-2 MK1 accident near Metlakatla, AK?
A seaplane stalled during a landing attempt in high gusting winds, striking the water hard and sinking after the pilot held full aft elevator.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Dec 1987 involved a DE Havilland DHC-2 MK1, registration N17597, at Metlakatla, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach in gusting winds, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the water.
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