Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during taxi operations on a riverbank with shallow water.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after landing on a river with low water levels, the left float dug into the shallow water, and the airplane turned hard left into the riverbank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC22LA056 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 15, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bettles, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland BEAVER DHC-2 MK.1
- N-number
- N4040W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.