Casualties unknown

De Havilland DHC-2 Overruns River Bar Strip After Aborted Takeoff (N513F)

Chitina, AK, US

On September 19, 1992, a DE Havilland DHC-2 (registration N513F) operated by Paul Claus was involved in an aviation accident near Chitina, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT IN COMMAND PREFLIGHT DECISION/PLANNING IN ATTEMPTING TAKEOFF WITHOUT PRUDENT AND SUFFICIENT PREPARATION TO ASSESS WIND DIRECTION. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE TREES IN THE CLEARWAY AT THE AIRSTRIP END. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A De Havilland DHC-2 operated by a lodge pilot/owner overran a 1,200-foot river bar strip during an aborted takeoff, colliding with trees and sustaining substantial damage.

Aircraft and Operator

The aircraft involved was a de Havilland DHC-2, operated by the pilot, who was also the owner of a lodge. The pilot had landed the aircraft on a 1,200-foot river bar airstrip.

Accident Sequence

After landing, the pilot loaded four passengers and light cargo onto the aircraft, completing the loading in approximately 10 minutes. During the planned takeoff, the pilot aborted the departure just prior to liftoff, reporting a lack of acceleration despite normal engine power. The aircraft overran the end of the airstrip and collided with trees beyond the strip.

Damage

The collision with trees resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Environmental Conditions

Following the accident, the pilot noted a tailwind of 10 to 15 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15574. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.