Casualties unknown

1994-09-17: DE Havilland DHC2 (N1433Z) — Rust's Flying Service — Whittier, AK

Whittier, AK, US

On September 17, 1994, a DE Havilland DHC2 (registration N1433Z) operated by Rust's Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Whittier, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS. AN INITIAL TAIL WIND AND LATER A CROSSWIND WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane on an on-demand charter flight struck a beach after encountering a tailwind and an unexpected gust of wind during landing in a small harbor adjacent to an ocean channel.

Incident Overview

A float-equipped airplane operating an on-demand charter flight was landing in a small harbor adjacent to an ocean channel. The aircraft was transporting five passengers to a remote cabin. Due to large ocean swells present in the channel, the pilot chose to land in the harbor instead.

Landing Sequence

During the landing runout, the airplane encountered a tailwind that extended the water run. As the airplane traveled abeam a break in the shoreline at the harbor entrance, it was hit by an unexpected gust of wind from the right. The airplane began to turn to the right. All attempts by the pilot to control the aircraft were ineffective.

Outcome

The airplane subsequently struck a beach area at the north end of the harbor. The source does not specify any injuries, fatalities, or damage details beyond the impact with the beach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02171. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.