Incident Overview
Two float-equipped de Havilland aircraft, a DHC-2 Beaver and a DHC-3 Turbine Otter, collided in midair while en route to the same remote destination. Both aircraft were operated by the same company. The collision occurred over an area of coastal channels and fjords. The Beaver sustained minor damage to its floats, while the Turbine Otter sustained substantial damage to the top portion of its wings, the fuselage, and the vertical stabilizer.
Flight Details
The pilot of the Beaver reported that his aircraft was the first of three company airplanes to depart. After takeoff and once clear of Class E airspace, he changed radio frequencies to monitor a common traffic advisory frequency. Approximately 15 minutes after departure, while in level cruise flight at about 2,000 feet above the water, he felt a sudden thump followed by a pronounced airframe shudder. He then observed the top of the left wing of the Turbine Otter to his left side, just under the floats of his airplane.
The pilot of the Turbine Otter stated that his aircraft was the second of three airplanes, departing about 5 minutes after the Beaver. He proceeded on a northerly heading while climbing to about 2,200 feet. He also changed to the common traffic advisory frequency. About 10 minutes after departure, a passenger seated in the rear of the Otter yelled "airplane." Approximately two seconds later, the pilot heard a loud scrape on the top portion of the aircraft.
Collision Sequence
Immediately after the collision, the pilot of the Turbine Otter observed the Beaver making a left, descending turn away from his aircraft. The Beaver pilot, after determining that he still had full flight control, elected to return to the operator's base of operation. The Turbine Otter pilot experienced some difficulty in controlling his aircraft immediately after impact but was soon able to regain partial control. He subsequently made an emergency landing on the ocean waters in the channel.
Aircraft Performance
The pilot of the Turbine Otter reported that his aircraft was about 10 knots faster than the Beaver.