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Amphibious Floatplane Strikes Trees Following Downdraft During Landing Approach (N13VF)

Viekoda Bay, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 29, 2003, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration N13VF) operated by Andrew Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Viekoda Bay, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance, which resulted in a collision with terrain during the final landing approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an on-demand air taxi flight, an amphibious floatplane encountered a downdraft while approaching a cabin on a coastal bay shore, colliding with alder trees and sustaining substantial damage.

The Accident

During an on-demand air taxi flight, an airline transport certificated pilot was preparing to land an amphibious float-equipped airplane near a cabin located on the shore of a coastal bay. The wind was blowing from the bay toward the land at 10 to 15 knots. The pilot chose to approach over land. As the airplane descended over a small creek bed adjacent to a hill, it encountered a downdraft and descended rapidly. The left wing then collided with alder trees, which induced a 180-degree spin. The right wing and float assembly were subsequently torn off the airplane. The closest official weather observation station, located 30 miles away, was reporting calm wind at the time.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions and failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance, resulting in a collision with terrain during the final landing approach. A contributing factor was the presence of a downdraft.

Controlled flight into terrainWeather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Nov 2003 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Viekoda Bay, United States of America?

During an on-demand air taxi flight, an amphibious floatplane encountered a downdraft while approaching a cabin on a coastal bay shore, colliding with alder trees and sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Nov 2003 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Nov 2003 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration N13VF, operated by Andrew Airways, at Viekoda Bay, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance, which resulted in a collision with terrain during the final landing approach. A factor contributing to the accident was the presence of a downdraft.

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