Probable cause
The floatplane pilot's failure to avoid a buoy during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, before the takeoff, he taxied "out a little farther than normal" due to another airplane taxiing in the waterway. He added that, as he advanced the throttle, his forward view changed as the airplane came onto step position and that he subsequently saw a buoy in the takeoff path. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff, but the right wing impacted the buoy. The pilot taxied back to the dock without further incident.
The right wing sustained substantial damage.
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 GAA17CA200 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 22, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ketchikan, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Ketchikan Harbor (5KE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland DHC-2
- N-number
- N264P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.