Mon, Jan 15, 2024
Crew Contacted ATC And Reported That They Were Having A Problem Transferring Fuel From The Ferry Tanks
Location: Half Moon Bay, CA Accident Number: WPR23LA192
Date & Time: May 20, 2023, 14:00 Local Registration: N153QS
Aircraft: Viking Air Limited DHC-6-400 Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Ferry
On May 20, 2023, at about 1400 Pacific daylight time, a de Havilland DHC-6-400, N153QS, was substantially damaged when it impacted the Pacific Ocean near Half Moon Bay, California. The pilot and 1 passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 ferry flight. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the accident site.
The operator reported that the airplane had a ferry tank system installed and 540 gallons of fuel was added for the transpacific flight. The airplane’s amphibious floats were removed for the flight. The flight departed the Charles M Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS), Santa Rosa, California, and was destined for Daniel K Inouye International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, Hawaii. After departure, satellite flight tracking data showed the airplane on a southwest heading over the ocean at an altitude of about 15,500 ft mean sea level (msl). About 4 hours into the flight, the crew contacted ATC and reported that they were having a problem transferring fuel from the ferry tanks and that they intended to return. About 356 miles from the California coast, the flight track reversed course to the northeast, towards STS. At 1145 time, the flight crew reported that they lost fuel pressure and an engine. The last few minutes of the data shows an altitude drop from about 3,600 to about 240 ft msl. The last track
data point was about 33 miles off the California coast.
The U.S. Coast guard responded to the scene minutes after accident. The examination of the wreckage in the water revealed that the fuselage was inverted, and the wings and engines separated from the airplane. The horizontal stabilizer remained partially attached to the empennage and the forward fuselage had impact damage. Occupant and wreckage recovery was not performed.
More News
“We are disappointed with today’s verdict and respectfully disagree with the outcome. From the outset, we have maintained that Gogo’s independently developed 5G t>[...]
Takeoff Hold Lights (THL) The THL system is composed of in-pavement lighting in a double, longitudinal row of lights aligned either side of the runway centerline. The lights are fo>[...]
Aero Linx: The 1-26 Association (Schweizer) The Association’s goal is to foster the helpfulness, the camaraderie, and the opportunity for head-to-head competition that is fou>[...]
Also: Elfin 20 Journey, BASE Jumper Rescue, Pipistrel Makes Waves, EAA Hall of Fame, Affordable Flying Expo 2026 Like most of the industry, kit manufacturer Sonex has been hit by t>[...]
Aero Linx: The de Havilland Moth Club Ltd The de Havilland Moth Club evolved from a belief that an association of owners and operators of Moth aeroplanes should be formed to create>[...]
Aero-News: Quote of the Day (11.26.25)
See All