# NTSB ANC91IA102: De Havilland DHC2 MK1, N6LU, Iliamna, AK, July 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB incident investigation
- Classification: Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1991, 23:45 local (Jul 16, 1991, 07:45 UTC)
- Place: Iliamna, AK
- Coordinates: 59.84922, -154.559402 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=59.8492&lon=-154.5594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5499
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC91IA102
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5499/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91IA102

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S ATTEMPTED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH AND GUSTY WINDS IN THE ACCIDENT AREA.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - flight into known adverse weather - attempted, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING THE AIRPLANE TO AVOID WEATHER.  HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY OVER A HILL AND A DOWNDRAFT BEGAN TO PUSH HIM INTO THE HILL.  HE APPLIED FULL POWER BUT WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER.  CONSEQUENTLY, HE EXECUTED A LANDING ON THE HILLTOP.  WIND IN THE AREA WAS REPORTED TO BE FROM THE SOUTH AT 60 KNOTS.  THE PILOT REPORTED THE WIND TO BE FROM 110 DEGREES AT 12 KNOTS GUSTING TO 20 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6LU](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6LU), registered now, S/N 908, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DE HAVILLAND DHC2 MK1
- Registry model: [Dehavilland BEAVER DHC-2 MK.1](https://openairdocs.org/model/dehavilland-beaver-dhc-2-mk-1) (registry code 2800102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 908
- Engines: P&W R-985SB3 400 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas E. Mcguire
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Departed: ALEXANDER LAKE, AK
- Destination: FIELD SITE, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 180° at 60 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Incident 19910715055909I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910715055909I), Jul 15, 1991: Dhav DHC2MK1, Iliamna, AK, Minor damage. Pilot stated he encountered severe downdraft. Unable to recover. Landed off airport damaging floats.

## Other investigations on N6LU (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC24LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA060), Jul 2, 2024: De Havilland DHC2 (N6LU), Susitna, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, resulting in the floats contacting the shallow river bottom during takeoff, and a subsequent loss of control.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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