Probable cause
The pilot's decision to depart in marginal visual meteorological conditions, and his continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot departed from an off-airport site in marginal visual flight rules conditions. Shortly after departure, the weather worsened, and flight visibility dropped to near zero in heavy snow. He attempted to follow the shoreline at a low altitude but was unable to maintain visual contact with the ground. He stated that he saw trees immediately in front of the airplane and attempted a right turn toward what he thought was an open bay. During the turn, the right float contacted a rock outcrop, and the airplane impacted the water. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12LA026 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 13, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ketchikan, Alaska
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland BEAVER DHC-2
- N-number
- N82SF
- 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.