Probable cause
A loss of directional control while landing, which resulted in a water loop.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, upon touchdown in the float-equipped airplane, the seaplane skipped, and the right float dug into the water. A video recorded by a cruise ship passenger captured the accident sequence and revealed that the airplane was landing parallel to an ocean swell and touched down in a relatively flat pitch attitude. After touchdown and encountering the swell, the airplane veered to the left, water looped, nosed down, and began to submerge. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left lift strut, and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC19LA028 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ketchikan, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Ketchikan Harbor (5KE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
De Havilland DHC-2
- N-number
- N94DC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.