Petersburg - Ketchikan

On June 26, 1989 at 11:05 AM, Petersburg - Ketchikan experienced a crash involving Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by California Air Tours, with the event recorded near Petersburg-James A. Johnson Alaska.

The flight was categorized as ferry and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a lake, sea, ocean, river crash site.

2 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 2 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. Immediately after takeoff at 200-300 feet agl, a portion of fabric separated from the right aileron. While maneuvering the aircraft the pilot's control wheel became free, and he elected to ditch using full rudder and differential power. Examination of the pilot's control wheel aileron control chain revealed that the chain failed due to overload. The right seat was occupied by a mechanic employed by the operator and held a private pilot certificate with single and multi engine rating. He stated that he suggested to the pilot that his controls were functioning normally, but the pilot disagreed and proceeded to ditch the aircraft. Examination of the right control yoke revealed aileron movement in the correct direction.

Aircraft reference details include registration N8042X, MSN 19041, year of manufacture 1943.