Casualties unknown

Float-Equipped Airplane Strikes Wing and Propeller in Two Separate Incidents Before Engine Failure Forces Water Landing (N470DB)

Juneau, AK, US

On June 22, 1997, a DE Havilland DHC-2 MK-I (registration N470DB) was involved in an aviation accident near Juneau, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged touchdown which resulted in dragging the right wingtip and rupturing the fuel tank. A factor associated with the accident is the rough water conditions. 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 float-equipped airplane struck its right wing on water near Juneau, Alaska during landing, then later dragged a wing and struck its propeller on a lake south of Juneau, before the engine failed and the pilot made a power-off landing.

Incident Sequence

A float-equipped airplane was observed as it was landing on water approximately 3 miles west of Juneau, Alaska. During this landing, the airplane struck the water with its right wing. The airplane then took off again. Roughly one hour later, witnesses at a lake situated 30 miles south of Juneau observed the airplane land again. During this second landing, the airplane dragged a wing along the water and also struck the water with its propeller. The airplane then took off once more.

Pilot Report

The private pilot reported that after the second takeoff, while the airplane was in cruise flight, the engine stopped. The pilot then executed a power-off landing to the water.

Postaccident Inspection

A postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right wing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08050. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.