Incident Overview
Date: Tuesday 19 September 1989
Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 200
Owner/operator: Sound Adventures Air Services
Registration Number: N851TB
Location: Sleepy Bay, AK –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Substantial, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 5
Component Affected: Spreaders bar and strut system on the floatsSpreaders bar and strut system on the floats
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A Twin Otter float-equipped aircraft experienced a significant landing incident due to unfavorable water conditions. The pilot overflown the intended landing area, resulting in substantial swells and subsequent damage to the floats. The aircraft then struck a large swell, causing structural failure of the spreader bar and strut system. The wind conditions were strong and turbulent, creating a challenging landing.A Twin Otter float-equipped aircraft experienced a significant landing incident due to unfavorable water conditions. The pilot overflown the intended landing area, resulting in substantial swells and subsequent damage to the floats. The aircraft then struck a large swell, causing structural failure of the spreader bar and strut system. The wind conditions were strong and turbulent, creating a challenging landing.
Description
The pilot of the float-equipped Twin Otter stated he overflew the intended landing area & observed 2 to 3 foot high swells. He elected to land parallel to the swells and Into a quartering headwind. Touchdown was reported to be smooth on the left float. The aircraft then entered a large swell, 4 to 5 foot high, & become airborne. It then hit the water hard & the front spreader bar and strut system on the floats failed. The wind was reported to be from 075 deg at 10 gusting 15 kts, from the open ocean, straight into Sleepy Bay. One crew member and four passengers uninjured Probable Cause: SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN (WATER CONDITION) BY THE PILOT. THE ROUGH WATER CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR.
Source of Information
https://twinotterarchive.com/DHC-6_201.htmlhttps://twinotterarchive.com/DHC-6_201.htmlPrimary Cause
SSelection of unsuitable terrain (water condition) by the pilot.SSelection of unsuitable terrain (water condition) by the pilot.Share on:
