Dehavilland DHC-3 N708KA accident near Dry Tortugas, Florida

Preliminary information

On April 11, 2026, about 0845 eastern daylight time, an amphibious DeHavilland DHC-3, N708KA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dry Tortugas, Florida. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 repositioning flight.

The pilot reported that he taxied the airplane away from the beach and completed the pre-takeoff checklist for water operations. After aligning the airplane into the wind, he initiated the water run for takeoff. At 70 mph, he applied aft yoke pressure, but the airplane did not liftoff. He then felt resistance on the right side and the airplane began to yaw to the right. The airplane subsequently pitched abruptly forward and nosed over into the water, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.

A postaccident examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector established flight control continuity from the cockpit to all primary and secondary flight controls. The elevator trim was found in the full nose-down position. The examination revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA172 for the full record.