NTSB Releases New Details in Fatal DHC-3 Accident That Killed 10

The 500-page docket of the fatal crash offers witness testimony and a view into the NTSB investigation process.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, September 01, 2023 at 12:56 PM ET

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The left elevator of the accident airplane being recovered from the ocean floor. [Credit: NTSB]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB has opened the public docket for its ongoing investigation into the September 2022 de Havilland DHC-3 Turbine Otter crash in Mutiny Bay, Washington, which killed all 10 people on board.
The 500-plus-page docket contains factual information collected by investigators, including witness accounts describing significant wind shear and details about strong winds and choppy water conditions at the time of the accident.
The release of the docket materials is part of NTSB's commitment to transparency, allowing the public to review factual elements of the investigation.
The docket does not provide a conclusion on the cause of the crash; the NTSB's final report, including analysis, findings, and probable cause, will be issued at a later date.

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Nearly a year ago, a de Havilland DHC-3 Turbine Otter airplane went down in Mutiny Bay near Freeland, Washington, killing all 10 on board. Friday the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened the public docket for its ongoing investigation into the Sept. 4, 2022 accident.

The aircraft was registered to Northwest Seaplanes, a Part 135 operation. The aircraft was on a flight between Friday Harbor Seaplane Base (W33) and Renton Municipal Airport (KRNT) at the time of the accident. It was the pilot’s second flight of the day.