By AuxBeacon News Contributor

[Editor’s Note: We received an anonymous tip regarding this crash. Thank you for your contribution. This CAP plane crash in Alaska was attributed to pilot error.]

PRELIMINARY REPORT
On May 23 2010, about 20:00 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 (Beaver) airplane, N4793C, sustained substantial damage while landing on Figure Eight Lake, about 18 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area proficiency check flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Anchorage, Alaska.

The three people aboard, a commercial pilot in the left seat, the certificated flight instructor/check pilot in the right seat, and a pilot-rated passenger, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and CAP flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Anchorage, about 19:20.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on May 24, the chief of flight safety for the CAP reported that the purpose of the flight was to accomplish a “Form 5” proficiency check of the commercial pilot, in a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 airplane. He said that the CAP has an annual check ride, in addition to the Federal Aviation Administration’s requirements, for CAP pilots who wish to fly CAP aircraft. He noted that the commercial pilot’s most recent biennial flight review was on May 31 2009.

During a telephone conversation with the NTSB IIC on May 26, the check pilot reported that after the commercial pilot completed a series of touch-and-go landings to the south, he asked him to land to the west, which would require a correction for a 6 knot left crosswind. The check pilot reported that just after touchdown, the airplane veered immediately to the left, the right float submerged and the right wing struck the water.

The airplane nosed over abruptly, and the cabin rapidly filled with water. He said that all three occupants struggled to free themselves from their seat belts while upside-down and submerged in cold lake water. He said that just before the airplane’s cabin sank, all three were able to exit the airplane just as a float-equipped Cessna 185 arrived on-scene, which took the three occupants to shore. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage during the accident.

During the wreckage examination, a CAP safety assessment team member reported finding a 2-inch elliptical-shaped dent on the toe of the accident airplane’s left float, but the source of the dent is unknown and inconclusive. No pre-accident mechanical anomalies were discovered during the wreckage exam.

FINAL REPORT
The certificated flight instructor/check pilot was providing an annual corporate flight proficiency check ride to the commercial pilot in a float-equipped airplane. The commercial pilot receiving the proficiency review was appropriately rated and current by Federal Aviation Administration standards to operate float-equipped airplanes.

After the commercial pilot completed a series of practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings to the south, the check pilot asked him to land to the west, which would require a correction for a left crosswind. The check pilot reported that, just after touchdown, the airplane veered immediately to the left, the right float submerged and the airplane abruptly nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage during the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed no pre-accident mechanical anomalies.

PROBABLE CAUSE
The commercial pilot’s loss of airplane control while landing in a crosswind, resulting in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the check pilot’s inadequate supervision of the commercial pilot while landing.