Probable cause
The pilot’s impact with a buoy on takeoff which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that while accelerating on the water for takeoff, he impacted a green channel buoy and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, left lift strut and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and that the accident may have been prevented if he had taxied clear of the obstructions before initiating his takeoff.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA057 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 9, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Coffman Cove, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Coffman Cove (KCC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland DHC-2-L-20
- N-number
- N9279Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.