What happened
During a mission to transport diamond drilling equipment from Pelly Crossing Airport to a location approximately 45 miles east, a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter experienced a loss of altitude shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was carrying 2,300 pounds of drilling gear along with the pilot and one passenger. At the time of the incident, the total weight of the aircraft, including fuel and cargo, was slightly below the 8,000-pound maximum allowable limit.
While departing from the 3,000-foot gravel runway, the pilot utilized a reduced power setting and retracted the flaps to the full-up position once airborne. Following this maneuver, the aircraft began to descend toward the treeline at the end of the runway. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied maximum power, but as the plane continued to sink into the trees, the throttle was closed. The impact with the trees triggered a post-crash fire that completely destroyed the airframe. The pilot and the passenger both managed to exit the wreckage, though both sustained two serious injuries including significant burns.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in mountainous terrain at an elevation of 1,870 feet.
- The use of a reduced power setting during takeoff contributed to the aircraft's inability to maintain altitude after flap retraction.