Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while departing from a snow-covered glacier, in a tailwheel and wheel penetration ski-equipped airplane, the main and tail skis struck a bump just as the airplane became airborne. A postflight inspection revealed substantial damage to the tailwheel bulkhead and fuselage. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11CA057 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland DHC-2 MK 1
- N-number
- N561TA
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.