Probable cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the floatplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while in a climb, approaching a mountain pass, he “felt” that the floatplane was not climbing sufficiently to safely clear the terrain. He extended the flaps and initiated a turn to the right, and “feeling a stall and loss of control imminent”, he applied full power. Subsequently, the floatplane stalled and impacted the ground sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the floatplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA062 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 19, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- King Salmon, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland DHC-2 MK 1
- N-number
- N68080
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.