2005-08-23: DE Havilland BEAVER DHC-2 MK.1 — Mission Creek Lodge — Aleknagik, AK

Casualties unknown • Aleknagik, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during the takeoff roll, and an encounter with high vegetation and a river bank. Factors associated with the accident are high vegetation and a riverbank.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The commercial pilot attempted to takeoff downstream on a 14 CFR Part 91 business flight in a float equipped airplane. He stated that as he reached his predetermined point to abort the takeoff if not airborne, he continued the takeoff run because he felt the airplane would liftoff soon. The airplane did not become airborne, and while attempting to negotiate a sharp turn in the river while on-step, the airplane collided with alders and the left riverbank, sustaining structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and floats.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-08-23 DE Havilland BEAVER DHC-2 MK.1 accident near Aleknagik, AK?

The commercial pilot attempted to takeoff downstream on a 14 CFR Part 91 business flight in a float equipped airplane. He stated that as he reached his predetermined point to abort the takeoff if not airborne, he continued the takeoff run because he felt the airplane would liftoff soon. The airplane did not become…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-08-23 involved a DE Havilland BEAVER DHC-2 MK.1, registration N5333G, operated by Mission Creek Lodge, at Aleknagik, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during the takeoff roll, and an encounter with high vegetation and a river bank. Factors associated with the accident are high vegetation and a riverbank.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050902X01378. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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