Probable cause
The pilot's failure to identify unsuitable terrain for landing and subsequent contact with a dirt mound, resulting in the separation of the tailwheel from the airframe.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that during the landing roll he noticed a problem with the tailwheel. After he unloaded the passengers, he realized that the tailwheel casting had broken and the tailwheel spindle and fork had separated from the airframe. He inspected the landing area and noticed that he had hit a 4-inch bank of dirt that he had not seen in the grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage bulkhead.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC11TA079 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Northway, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland DHC-2 MK. I(L20A)
- N-number
- N723DR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.