On November 10, 1993, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration N98AT) operated by Ketchikan Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Thorne Bay, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power on climb out for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine airplane lost engine power shortly after takeoff, forcing an emergency water landing during which a control wire snapped, causing the aircraft to invert and sink. All three occupants were rescued.
Incident Overview
A single-engine airplane experienced a loss of engine power shortly after departure while climbing. The pilot was returning to Ketchikan following maintenance performed in Thorne Bay. The sudden power loss necessitated an emergency landing on water.
Emergency Landing and Sequence of Events
During the emergency landing on water, a control wire failed, causing the airplane to pitch nose-down and come to rest inverted in the water. The aircraft subsequently sank.
Rescue and Final Disposition
All three occupants were rescued by the coastguard approximately 20 minutes after the landing. The aircraft was not recovered and sank at the accident site.
Probable cause
Loss of engine power on climb out for unknown reasons
What happened in the 10 Nov 1993 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident near Thorne Bay, United States of America?
A single-engine airplane lost engine power shortly after takeoff, forcing an emergency water landing during which a control wire snapped, causing the aircraft to invert and sink. All three occupants were rescued.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Nov 1993 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Nov 1993 involved a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registration N98AT, operated by Ketchikan Air Service, at Thorne Bay, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of engine power on climb out for unknown reasons
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