Taylorcraft BC-12D | N95744

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that neither occupant possessed a pilots certificate or medical, and the aircraft had only recently been purchased. It is alleged that the pilot had been around aviation but had never owned an aircraft or formally taken any flying lessons. The aircraft was supposedly to be used as a transportation vehicle for moving supplies from Nondalton to Port Alsworth, Alaska The pilot operated the aircraft just off shore and very low over the water in very low visibility conditions, where apparently a wing or landing gear eventually struck the water and caused the aircraft to cartwheel. The partially submerged wreckage and both occupants were later located in a shallow portion of Six Mile Lake, approximately 200 yards off shore.

Probable Cause issued 9/8/2026 – 28 months after the accident: The non-certificated pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into the water.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft exercise extreme caution when operating aircraft low over open water, due to false illusions that can occur concerning actual height as compared to perceived height.