Accident Overview
On June 13, 2012, at approximately 1915 Alaska daylight time, a de Havilland DHC-2 airplane, registration N121KT, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from Talkeetna Airport (PATK) in Talkeetna, Alaska. The certificated commercial pilot and six passengers were not injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Rusts Flying Service, doing business as K2 Aviation, under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 135 as a visual flight rules (VFR) sightseeing flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that he had departed runway 18 at PATK for a scenic tour flight and had reduced power to a cruise climb setting. At approximately 1,200 feet above the ground, the engine began to run rough and lose power. The pilot turned back toward Talkeetna Airport and performed emergency procedures to restore power. The engine continued to run roughly at reduced power, and the pilot could not maintain altitude, followed by a total loss of engine power. He made a forced landing to a sand bar on the Chulitna River. On landing, the airplane bounced over logs and ditches and sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer, elevators, empennage, and main landing gear.
Post-Accident Examination
After the aircraft was recovered, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector from the Anchorage Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) examined the airplane in Talkeetna on June 14. The inspector reported that the number two cylinder head had cracks radiating from the spark plug hole throughout the cylinder head, and it had begun to separate from the cylinder base.