Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a creek bank while maneuvering to land.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while on short final to land on a remote beach, he misjudged the airplane’s height above a creek bank. The landing gear contacted the bank, and subsequently, the right main gear leg separated, and the right wing contacted the ground, the airplane came to rest upright. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nelson Lagoon, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Remote Beach (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland BEAVER DHC-2 MK.1
- N-number
- N109KS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- 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.