During The Forced Landing, The Airplane’s Float Struts And Spreaderbars Collapsed

Location: Soldotna, Alaska Accident Number: ANC25LA085
Date & Time: August 9, 2025, 09:00 Local Registration: N232KT
Aircraft: Dehavilland DHC-2 MK 1 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event Injuries: 5 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled

Analysis: While en route to a remote fishing lodge in a float-equipped airplane, one of the passengers reported that the pilot saw a pack of wolves chasing a herd of caribou. The passenger said that the pilot then reduced the airspeed and entered a right-hand, descending orbit to allow all the passengers to see the animals below.

The pilot reported that, during a right-hand turn, the airspeed was indicating about 75 knots and the airplane’s altitude was about 500 ft above ground level (agl), when the airplane encountered a downdraft and it began to descend. He added engine power and attempted to climb, but he realized he was not going to be able to clear the rising terrain ahead and performed a forced landing to an area of rock and tundra-covered terrain. During the forced landing, the airplane’s float struts and spreaderbars collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage.

A review of archived Federal Aviation Administration Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane entered the orbits at 300 feet agl and the groundspeed was about 80 knots. As the airplane exited the multiple orbits, it was about 97 feet agl, while traveling at 58 knots groundspeed.

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while maneuvering at low altitude

FMI: www.ntsb.gov