The NTSB late last week published its preliminary report on the September 15 fatal crash of a turbine-powered de Havilland DHC-3T as it was departing from Alaska’s East Wind Lake in night VMC. The airplane, registered to and operated under Part 91 by a California-based lodge, was flying clients to a remote fishing site.
Of the 10 people aboard, three passengers died and the ATP-rated pilot and four passengers sustained serious injuries, while two sustained only minor injuries. In addition to the 10 people, the turboprop single was loaded with equipment that the group would need for a day of fishing.
According to the Safety Board, a lodge employee reported that it was a dark night, but he was still able to watch the airplane as it started its takeoff run. He said that after the airplane began to climb, it descended and the floats subsequently struck the surface of the water. The airplane then became airborne again, but he lost sight of it as it descended behind an area of rising, tree-covered terrain. A detailed NTSB examination of the engine is pending.