De Havilland DHC-3 Otter crash, Dec 28, 2002, Nikolai
De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident on December 28, 2002 near Nikolai, Alaska, United States with no fatalities. Cause: An improper, undocumented repair...
- Date: December 28, 2002
- Aircraft: De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
- Location: Nikolai, Alaska, United States
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: An improper, undocumented repair of the elevator torque tube support assembly led to in-flight separation of the right elevator, which jammed the rudder. Inadequate inspection by company maintenance was a contributing factor.
A de Havilland Otter (N3904) on a cargo flight from Nikolai to Wasilla suffered a loud bang and rattling after takeoff, followed by difficulty with the rudder. The pilot attempted a landing and go-around, and the aircraft struck trees along the airstrip. It was substantially damaged and the pilot was unhurt. The right elevator was found detached behind the aircraft.