NTSB Factual Report

On June 10, 2005, about 0930 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped deHavilland DHC-2 airplane, N43446, sustained substantial damage when the right wing struck the water during an aborted takeoff from the King Salmon Seaplane Base, King Salmon, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country business flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by ALY LLC, dba Alaska Rainbow Lodge, King Salmon. The commercial certificated pilot, and the five passengers, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight was en route to the lodge, located on the Kvichak River.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on June 10, the pilot reported that he was departing on the river in the southeast water lane. He said that the airplane was on-step, when it began an uncommanded left turn. He attempted to counteract the turn by applying right rudder and right aileron, but there was no change. The pilot indicated that he aborted the takeoff by pulling the engine power to idle. The airplane continued a hard left turn, and the right wing struck the water. The pilot said the right wing was bent upward about 40 degrees, at the right wing lift strut attach point. He was able to taxi back to the dock, and disembark his passengers.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, he indicated that after returning to the dock, he noticed a light wind of about 8 to 10 knots from the north.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to correct for torque/P-Factor during the takeoff run, and his delay in aborting the takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent wing collision with the surface of the water. A factor contributing to the accident was a left crosswind.