Dehavilland BEAVER DHC-2 N68088 accident near Iliamna, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff area with an unfavorable wind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was departing from a river, downstream, in a float-equipped airplane, on a Title 14, CFR Part 135, on demand charter flight. He said that wind conditions were calm just before starting his southerly takeoff run. Just after takeoff, as the airplane climbed to about 20 feet above the water, it stopped climbing as it neared the departure end of the site. The airplane then descended into an area of tree-covered terrain, and came to rest about 400 feet from the bank of the river. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane, and said that after the accident, he noticed occasional gusts of wind from the northwest.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC09LA072 for the full record.