De Havilland DHC-2 LN-NCC Water Landing Accident at Rytterholmene

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 10 June 2024, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration LN-NCC, was involved in an accident during a water landing at Rytterholmene in Kragerø municipality, Telemark. The aircraft, manufactured in 1956 and powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Jr engine, was operated by Cybrair AS. It was equipped with amphibious floats and retractable landing gear. The flight was a private operation with one pilot on board, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage including dented wingtip tanks, a torn engine cowling, and a deformed cover on the forward spreader strut of the floats, along with various saltwater-related damages. ## Flight Sequence and Operational Context The aircraft departed from its home base on Nesøya to Sandefjord Airport, Torp (ENTO), for a technical inspection due to suspected engine performance issues. After the inspection, which found no faults, the pilot departed Torp for Rytterholmene to pick up the co-owner. During the climb, the pilot received a gear warning and observed two green and two blue lights on the panel, with the gear lever in an intermediate position. He lowered the gear to clear the warning and continued the flight. The pilot noted lower-than-expected cruise speed, which he attributed to engine performance rather than the extended landing gear. ## Landing and Accident During the approach to Rytterholmene, the pilot conducted a memorized GUMPS checklist. He visually inspected the mirrors on both sides and stated that the wheels were up for a water landing, but did not check the gear handle or light indicators. The aircraft touched down on the water with the landing gear extended, causing severe deceleration. The aircraft eventually overturned, ending up nearly on its back. The pilot, who was wearing a three-point harness, waited for the cockpit to fill with water to equalize pressure before opening the door and swimming out. He was assisted by nearby boats, including the co-owner in a small RIB. The pilot experienced minor burns from leaked fuel but was otherwise physically unharmed. ## Safety Considerations The report notes that the aircraft was equipped with a basic gear warning system that had a history of false alarms, leading the pilot to rely on visual mirror checks rather than the gear indicators. A more advanced laser-based warning system is available for this aircraft type, which can reduce false alarms by detecting whether the aircraft is over land or water. The report also references a U.S. study indicating a higher fatality rate for amphibious aircraft accidents compared to other small aircraft, with incorrect configuration before landing identified as a contributing factor.