On July 17, 2000, a DE Havilland DHC-2 (registration N345KA) operated by Ketchum Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, likely influenced by the quartering tailwind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A float-equipped aircraft lost directional control during takeoff, swerving into a tree due to wind conditions and pilot input.
What happened
The pilot reported losing directional control of the float-equipped airplane while executing the initial takeoff run. The aircraft was departing upstream with an eight-knot quartering tailwind coming from the left side. As the plane approached step, it began to swerve toward the left. The left wing subsequently struck a tree located on the river bank.
The investigation
The pilot provided a statement regarding the loss of control during the takeoff phase. No mechanical examination or additional investigative findings were recorded in the source material.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, likely influenced by the quartering tailwind conditions.
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