# NTSB WPR20CA112: De Havilland DHC6, N72GC, Boulder City, NV, March 6, 2020

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: March 6, 2020, 11:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Boulder City, NV
- Coordinates: 35.947223, -114.864723 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9472&lon=-114.8647&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 3, 2020
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- NTSB case key (mKey): 101095
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR20CA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/101095/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=101095
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA112

## Probable cause

The trainee pilot's loss of directional control during landing and his subsequent unintentional control interference with the brakes and/or rudder during the trainer pilot's attempted remedial action, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a ditch.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md)
- [Landing gear system: brake](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Unintentional use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242/cases.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 297 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242/cases.md)
- [Flight control system: rudder control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022720): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Unintentional use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022720/cases.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 93 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022720/cases.md)
- [Terrain: sloped/uneven terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021017): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021017/cases.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 270 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021017/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2802630), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

An operator's pilot was conducting training for a newly hired pilot for a first officer position in the twin-engine airplane. After accomplishing air work, the pilots returned to the airport to practice landings and takeoffs. According to both pilots, the first approach was normal, and the airplane touched down slightly right of the runway centerline. The trainee pilot stated that, after touchdown, the airplane began drifting further right and that he was unable to correct the deviation. The trainer pilot reported that, when directional control became unstable, he told the trainee, "I have the controls." The trainer pilot saw that the trainee pilot released his hands from the engine power levers and the yoke, but the airplane continued to deviate to the right, contrary to his control inputs and his addition of asymmetric power to the engines. The trainer pilot realized that, based on his inputs, the airplane should have returned to the centerline but that it did not and that it was behaving as if the trainee pilot was applying some braking. At that point, the trainer pilot again told the trainee pilot to release the controls, and he used the brakes, which he reported applied and released normally. Subsequently, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and impacted a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The trainer pilot and the operator reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The trainer pilot reported that he believed the trainee pilot's feet were either on the brakes or interfered with his brake and/or rudder application attempts. The trainee pilot reported that he could not recall the position of his feet after he relinquished airplane control to the trainer pilot.

## Factual narrative

The newly hired pilot was being trained for a First Officer position in the twin-engine airplane by one of the operator's trainer pilots. After accomplishing air work, the flight returned to practice landings and takeoffs. According to both pilots, the first approach was normal, and the airplane made a normal touchdown, just slightly right of the runway centerline. The trainee pilot stated that after touchdown, the airplane began drifting further to the right, and that he was unable to correct that deviation. The trainer pilot reported that when directional control became unstable, he told the trainee "I have the controls". The trainer pilot observed that the trainee released his hands from the engine power levers and the yoke, but the airplane continued to deviate to the right, contrary to his control inputs. He added asymmetric power to the engines to help regain the centerline, without success. The trainer pilot realized that based on his inputs, the airplane should have returned to the centerline but did not, and that the airplane was behaving as if the trainee pilot was applying some braking. At that point, the trainer pilot "clearly shouted a second time" for the trainee to release the controls. The airplane then exited the right side of the runway and collided with a ditch. During that rollout, the trainer pilot used the brakes, which he reported applied and released normally. The trainer pilot reported that it was his opinion that the trainee pilot's feet were either on the brakes or interfered with his brake and/or rudder application attempts. The trainee reported that he could not recall the position of his feet after he relinquished airplane control to the trainer pilot. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N72GC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N72GC-2024-03-05), registration cancelled 2024-03-05, S/N 264, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: De Havilland DHC6 (300)
- Registry model: [Dehavilland DHC-6-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/dehavilland-dhc-6-300) (registry code 2802630) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-27-series) (registry code 52141, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 264
- Year built: 1969
- Airframe hours: 50964
- Engines: turbo prop; turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Grand Canyon Airlines
- Registered owner: Monarch Enterprises Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, September 25, 2019
- Departed: BVU, Boulder City, NV
- Destination: BVU, Boulder City, NV
- Flight plan: Company VFR
- Airport: BVU, Boulder City, runway 27, 4,803 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Flight instructor; age 55; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 22, 2019; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 23,500 total, 20,000 in this make and model, 18,500 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 28 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours
- Pilot; age 52; injuries: none; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review September 26, 2018; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 583 total, 4 in this make and model, 539 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.07 inHg
- Observed at: BVU

## FAA reports on this event (1)

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

- [Accident 20200306001489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20200306001489A), Mar 6, 2020: Dehavilland DHC-6-300, Boulder City, NV, Substantial damage. On March 6, 2020, at approximately 11:15 local time, N72GC landed on runway 27 at the Boulder City airport (bvu) during a training flight. A pilot under the…

## Other investigations on N72GC (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 ANC99LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA064), May 25, 1999: de Havilland DHC-6-300 (N72GC), Anchorage, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: An in-flight collision with a bird.

## Docket (11 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 19, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=101095. 7.8 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Operator (item 1, .PDF, 570 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483790&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20Operator-Master.PDF
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Training Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 560 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483791&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20Training%20Pilot-Master.PDF
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - PilotTrainee (item 3, .PDF, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483792&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20PilotTrainee-Master.PDF
- METARs (item 4, .PDF, 60 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483793&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=METARs-Master.PDF
- Record of Communication - Training Pilot (item 5, .PDF, 72 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483794&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Communication%20-%20Training%20Pilot-Master.PDF
- Record of Communication - Pilot Trainee (item 6, .PDF, 69 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483795&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Communication%20-%20Pilot%20Trainee-Master.PDF
- Record of Communications - BVU Operations (item 7, .PDF, 59 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483796&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Communications%20-%20BVU%20Operations-Master.PDF
- Flight Operations Irregularity Report (item 8, .PDF, 111 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483797&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Flight%20Operations%20Irregularity%20Report-Master.PDF
- FAA Photographs (item 9, .PDF, 579 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483798&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Photographs-Master.PDF
- KBVU Photographs (item 10, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483799&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=KBVU%20Photographs-Master.PDF
- Training Pilot Photographs (item 11, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40483800&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Training%20Pilot%20Photographs-Master.PDF

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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