On September 16, 1988, a DE Havilland DHC-2 (registration N98JH) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgrath, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of an engine exhaust valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing on tundra. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A float-equipped aircraft experienced an unexplained power reduction while cruising, forcing the pilot to land on tundra where the plane sustained substantial damage due to a failed exhaust valve.
What happened
While the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight, the pilot-in-command encountered a rough-running engine. This condition eventually progressed to an unexplained reduction of power to idle thrust. The pilot attempted to glide the float-equipped airplane toward a nearby body of water but was unable to reach it. Consequently, the pilot executed a forced landing on the surrounding tundra terrain.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the engine components to determine the mechanical cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed that an exhaust valve had failed.
Probable cause
The failure of an engine exhaust valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing on tundra.
What happened in the 16 Sept 1988 DE Havilland DHC-2 accident near Mcgrath, AK?
A float-equipped aircraft experienced an unexplained power reduction while cruising, forcing the pilot to land on tundra where the plane sustained substantial damage due to a failed exhaust valve.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Sept 1988 involved a DE Havilland DHC-2, registration N98JH, at Mcgrath, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of an engine exhaust valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing on tundra.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…