Dehavilland BEAVER U-6A N65223 accident near Pedro Bay, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was sun glare.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff in a float-equipped airplane, he was on step and maneuvered the airplane around a bend in the river, facing into the sun. The pilot reported that he was unable to see due to the glare of the sun. The airplane drifted to the left and the left wingtip caught bushes on the left bank of the river, pulling the airplane up onto shore which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA068 for the full record.