Casualties unknown

Floatplane Takeoff Abort Ends in Collision with River Bank (N199BM)

Igiugig, AK, US

On September 7, 2005, a Dehavilland DHC-2 (registration N199BM) was involved in an aviation accident near Igiugig, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff run when he was unable to lift one float off the water, which resulted in a subsequent collision with terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was a river bank. 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 collided with a river bank after the pilot aborted a takeoff, tearing off the left float and causing structural damage to the fuselage.

Incident Overview

A float-equipped airplane operated by an airline transport certificated pilot sustained structural damage after colliding with a river bank during an aborted takeoff. The accident occurred while the pilot was attempting a departure eastbound and up-river.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, the airplane was on-step during the takeoff run. He attempted to lift one float out of the water but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, he decided to abort the takeoff by closing the engine throttle. The airplane then collided with the river bank.

Damage

The left float assembly was torn off the fuselage, and the airplane received structural damage to the fuselage. No further details about the extent of the damage or other components were provided.

Pilot Information

The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate. No additional information about the pilot's experience or qualifications was disclosed in the source.

Conclusion

The event involved a failed attempt to lift a float during takeoff, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent collision with the river bank. The source does not specify any causal factors beyond the described sequence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050923X01520. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.