Accident Overview
On June 10, 2024, at approximately 1635 Alaska daylight time, a DeHavilland DHC-2 airplane, registration N4957, was substantially damaged in an accident near Port Alsworth, Alaska. The aircraft was operated by Talon Air Service, Inc., on a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 other work use flight. The pilot and four passengers were not injured; one passenger suffered serious injuries.
Flight Details
According to the operator, the float-equipped airplane departed Kijik Lake, Alaska, with five passengers, destined for Longmere Lake, near Soldotna, Alaska. After an engine run-up, the pilot taxied to the edge of the lake for takeoff. Following takeoff, the pilot adjusted manifold pressure, engine rpm, and flaps for climb. About three miles into the flight, the pilot reported a decrease in manifold pressure. He increased propeller and throttle controls, which initially prompted an increase in rpm and manifold pressure, but the engine subsequently lost total power. The pilot executed a forced landing into heavily wooded terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Postaccident Engine Examination
A postaccident examination revealed that the engine rotated freely by hand. Spark plugs were undamaged and displayed normal wear. Cylinder bases and base nuts were present with no distortion or evidence of damage from over-boosting. Examination of exhaust and induction systems found no anomalies. All engine controls functioned properly and exhibited full travel. The main fuel line was disconnected at the engine side of the firewall, and fuel flowed from all three tanks. Magnetos were secure on their mounts, and timing was set at about 24° before top dead center. The oil screen was removed, inspected, and reinstalled; no debris or magnetic material was observed. Propeller tips showed bending consistent with impact, but no rotational scoring was present. No abnormalities were found that would have precluded normal engine operation.
Passenger Accounts
Two passengers reported no change in engine noise from takeoff to impact; one passenger noted an increase in engine noise about five seconds before impact. Passengers stated that the pilot executed a hard left turn, with one describing it as “the airplane was nearly on its side” in a “near vertical attitude.” The turn was perceived as an “extreme maneuver,” with the airplane too low for such a steep turn. No warning from the pilot was reported prior to impact.
Weight Information
The operator reported the airplane’s gross weight at takeoff was 5,030 lbs, with a maximum gross weight of 5,370 lbs.