De Havilland DHC2 N9776R

Summary

On 26 July 2022 at about 17:15 local time, a De Havilland DHC2 registered N9776R, operated by Alaska Skyways Inc, was involved in an accident near Anchorage, Alaska, United States. 7 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured, 4 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 July 2022 at 17:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Lake Hood (LHD)

Coordinates

61.1797, -149.9635

Aircraft

De Havilland DHC2

Registration

N9776R

Category

Airplane

Year built

1957

Engines

1

Operator

Alaska Skyways Inc

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → King Salmon

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC22LA063

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions which resulted in the wing exceeding its critical angle of attack, a loss of control and impact with the water.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, he was departing in the float-equipped airplane in strong gusty wind conditions. After accelerating on the water for about 3 seconds, the airplane suddenly became airborne and crabbed into the wind about 60° to 90° from the intended takeoff path and started to climb as it continued to track away from the intended flight path. As the climb continued, the airplane stalled and impacted the water in a nose low attitude which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.