Dehavilland BEAVER DHC 2 N1544 accident near Kodiak, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was landing at an unimproved airstrip after an on-demand flight. He stated that, after a normal touchdown, as he applied the brakes during the ground roll, the airplane "veered hard to the right." He added power in an attempt to gain control of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane departed the airstrip to the right, traveled through bushes and trees, and came to rest against an embankment. The right wing came to rest against the terrain, and the right main landing gear separated from the gear box, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot further stated that before the accident flight, the brake system had been flushed and bled due to two brake failures earlier in the day.

During the removal of the landing gear components for recovery of the airplane, the brake system was compromised, and no fluid was retained for testing for possible contamination.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC18LA025 for the full record.