NTSB Factual Report

On August 15, 2003, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 airplane, N11GA, sustained substantial damage when it collided with the shoreline during landing at a remote lake, located about 56 miles southeast of King Salmon, Alaska. The commercial certificated pilot, and the four passengers, were not injured. The Title 14, CFR Part 91 business flight was operated in support of a sport fish guiding business. The flight operated in visual meteorological conditions and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight was en route from another remote lake at the time of the accident.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) on August 18, the pilot related that he was attempting to land on a small lake, and due to terrain clearance, a downwind approach was required. The pilot estimated the wind to be about 5 to 7 knots. He said that just after landing, he determined that he would not be able to stop the airplane before reaching the shoreline, so he applied full left rudder in an attempt to avoid the collision with the shore. He reported that during the turn, as the airplane came off of the step, the airplane's right float struck the shore. The airplane sustained structural damage to the right wing, and right wing lift strut.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Neither the operator, nor the pilot, submitted an NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in an overrun and an on ground/water collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident was a tailwind.