On April 28, 2008, a de Havilland DHC-3 operated by TALKEETNA AIR TAXI INC was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tail ski became buried in deep snow during a turn, breaking the tail ski attachment bracket, which resulted in the ski puncturing the lower fuselage and damaging a structural bulkhead. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial pilot reported that during a landing in deep snow, the tail ski became buried, breaking the attachment bracket and puncturing the fuselage.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was transporting mountain climbers to a remote mountain glacier. The airplane, equipped with wheel-skis, was landing in deep snow. During the landing roll, the pilot felt a slight bump and subsequently stopped the airplane.
Inspection Findings
Post-landing inspection revealed that the tail ski had become buried in the deep snow during a turn. This caused the tail ski attachment bracket to break. As a result, the ski punctured the lower fuselage and damaged a structural bulkhead.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Probable cause
The tail ski became buried in deep snow during a turn, breaking the tail ski attachment bracket, which resulted in the ski puncturing the lower fuselage and damaging a structural bulkhead.
What happened in the 28 Apr 2008 de Havilland DHC-3 accident near Talkeetna, AK?
A commercial pilot reported that during a landing in deep snow, the tail ski became buried, breaking the attachment bracket and puncturing the fuselage.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Apr 2008 de Havilland DHC-3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Apr 2008 involved a de Havilland DHC-3, operated by TALKEETNA AIR TAXI INC, at Talkeetna, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The tail ski became buried in deep snow during a turn, breaking the tail ski attachment bracket, which resulted in the ski puncturing the lower fuselage and damaging a structural bulkhead.
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