Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that moments after takeoff from a lake he heard a loud bang, and the airplane impacted the water. The passengers stated that after takeoff there was a sound similar to a cable snap or a hammer hitting metal. The airplane made a hard left turn, and the left wing impacted the water.
Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
The airplane came to rest fragmented in a lake and the floats were not recovered; therefore, the fly wires and floats could not be examined, and the reason for the loss of control could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA054 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 13, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Twin Hills, Alaska
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland DHC-2 MK. I(L20A)
- N-number
- N302BL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- 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.