De Havilland DHC2 N6LU

Summary

On 2 July 2024 at about 23:45 local time, a De Havilland DHC2 registered N6LU, operated by Trail Ridge Air, was involved in an accident near Susitna, Alaska, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 July 2024 at 23:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Susitna, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

61.4118, -150.5915

Aircraft

De Havilland DHC2

Registration

N6LU

Category

Airplane

Year built

1956

Engines

1

Operator

Trail Ridge Air

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Anchorage → Anchorage

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC24LA060

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, resulting in the floats contacting the shallow river bottom during takeoff, and a subsequent loss of control.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing from a shallow river in a float-equipped airplane. She reported that she was almost on step when the airplane suddenly veered to the left toward the riverbank. She reduced engine power to abort the takeoff, however the airplane impacted the riverbank and trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the pilot’s written statement, she reported that the airplane’s floats likely encountered the shallow river bottom during the takeoff run, resulting in the sudden left veer.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.