Incident Overview
Date: Sunday 12 December 1999
Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 300
Owner/operator: Kenn Borek Air
Registration Number: C-GKBG
Location: 1450 km E of McMurdo Station –
ÿ Antarctica
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Substantial, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3
Component Affected: Twin Otter aircraft’s left ski.Twin Otter aircraft’s left ski.
Category: Accident
A Twin Otter aircraft carrying two researchers was attempting a STOL takeoff from a polar plateau at 7800 feet. A ski engagement caused a swerve, resulting in a bounce and impact with a Skidoo aircraft. The aircraft traveled 3000 feet before coming to rest. Recovery and rebuilding of wreckage occurred.A Twin Otter aircraft carrying two researchers was attempting a STOL takeoff from a polar plateau at 7800 feet. A ski engagement caused a swerve, resulting in a bounce and impact with a Skidoo aircraft. The aircraft traveled 3000 feet before coming to rest. Recovery and rebuilding of wreckage occurred.
Description
The pilots had just dropped off two researchers from McMurdo at a small scientific station (AGO-6) on the South Pole when they prepared for a STOL, 20deg flaps takeoff from the polar plateau located at an elevation of 7800 feet. During the takeoff the left ski dug into the snow causing the Twin Otter to swerve. The aircraft bounced into the air and struck a skidoo. The aircraft traveled for another 3000 feet before coming to rest. The wreckage was recovered and rebuilt.
Primary Cause
Ski engagement during takeoff.Ski engagement during takeoff.Share on:
