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.
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.