Casualties unknown

De Havilland Otter Veers Off Runway in Rural Alaska (N3125N)

Eagle, AK, US

On June 2, 1988, a DE Havilland DHC-3 (registration N3125N) was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A heavily loaded DHC-3 veered right on touchdown, then left out of control down a 30-45 degree embankment after the pilot unlocked the tail wheel and attempted correction.

Accident Overview

A de Havilland Otter (DHC-3) was involved in an accident while attempting to land on a gravel strip in rural Alaska. The pilot reported that the airplane was heavily loaded at the time.

Sequence of Events

Upon touchdown, the airplane veered slightly to the right. The pilot unlocked the tail wheel centering device and attempted to correct the direction to the left, into the prevailing crosswind. However, the airplane continued to the left, out of control, and proceeded down a 30-45 degree embankment before coming to a stop.

Aircraft and Operational Context

The aircraft was a de Havilland Otter (DHC-3). The landing surface was a gravel strip located in a rural area of Alaska. The specific date, registration, operator, and other details are not provided in the available information.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jun 1988 DE Havilland DHC-3 accident near Eagle, AK?

A heavily loaded DHC-3 veered right on touchdown, then left out of control down a 30-45 degree embankment after the pilot unlocked the tail wheel and attempted correction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jun 1988 involved a DE Havilland DHC-3, registration N3125N, at Eagle, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25836. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.