Floatplane ground excursion during landing on lake

Casualties unknown • King Salmon, AK, US

A commercial pilot performing a landing on a small lake struck the shoreline after attempting an evasive maneuver to avoid terrain.

What happened

A certificated commercial pilot was conducting a landing on a small lake in a float-equipped airplane. Due to the surrounding terrain, the pilot performed a downwind approach, estimating the wind speed to be between 5 and 7 knots.

Immediately following the landing, the pilot determined that the aircraft would not stop before reaching the shoreline. In an attempt to avoid colliding with the shore, the pilot applied full left rudder. As the airplane transitioned off of the step during this turn, the right float struck the shoreline.

The pilot was not injured in the incident.

The investigation

The aircraft sustained structural damage to the right wing and the right wing lift strut. Prior to the accident, the pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to avoid a collision with the shoreline by applying full left rudder caused the right float to strike the shore as the aircraft transitioned off of the step.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-08-15 DE Havilland DHC-2 accident near King Salmon, AK?

A commercial pilot performing a landing on a small lake struck the shoreline after attempting an evasive maneuver to avoid terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-08-15 involved a DE Havilland DHC-2, registration N11GA, operated by Alaska Anglers, Inc., at King Salmon, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to avoid a collision with the shoreline by applying full left rudder caused the right float to strike the shore as the aircraft transitioned off of the step.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030904X01461. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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