Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC15CA075

Arctic Village, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N55WE

DEHAVILLAND BEAVER DHC 2 MK.1

Analysis

The pilot reported that while departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, from a rough and uneven tundra-covered off-airport site, it failed to gain sufficient airspeed, and he aborted the takeoff. The airplane's main wheels sunk into the soft tundra-covered terrain, and the airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that while departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, from a rough and uneven tundra-covered off-airport site, it failed to gain sufficient airspeed, and he aborted the takeoff. The airplane's main wheels sunk into the soft tundra-covered terrain, and the airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he would have selected a more suitable off-airport site.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable, off-airport site, which resulted in a nose over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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