What happened
On a day characterized by light rain and mist, a privately owned Cessna 180E, registration C-FEGS, was performing a low-altitude flight over McIvor Lake in British Columbia. The aircraft, equipped with EDO 2870 floats and a STOL modification kit, was carrying a pilot and two passengers. The flight was likely intended as an inspection pass to evaluate a potential water landing area.
As the aircraft traveled northwest across the lake at approximately 100 feet above ground level, observers noted it was flying at a very low speed with a nose-down attitude. Upon reaching the northwest end of the lake, the pilot increased power, causing the aircraft to pitch upward. The aircraft then entered a steep, left-hand climbing turn. During this maneuver, the nose dropped suddenly, and the aircraft descended into the shoreline in a near-vertical attitude. The impact resulted in three fatalities. A post-crash fire ignited in the forward cockpit area following the rupture of the gascolator.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the pilot's flight history. The Cessna 180E featured a Crosswinds STOL kit, but discrepancies were found regarding its maintenance. Specifically, the required body filler used to smooth the transition between the leading edge cuffs and the wing surface was missing, and the installed stall warning indicator did not match the type specified in the supplemental type certificate (STC) instructions.
Regarding the pilot, records showed a commercial license with 385 total flight hours. While his medicals were valid, previous flight checks had indicated consistent difficulties with altitude and airspeed control during maneuvers. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight, calculating that the actual load of the three occupants likely placed the aircraft at approximately 2826 pounds, slightly exceeding the maximum certificated weight of 2820 pounds.
Findings
- The pilot induced an aerodynamic stall while maneuvering the aircraft.
- The heavy weight of the aircraft increased the risk of a stall.
- The execution of a low-speed, climbing turn further heightened the risk of an aerodynamic stall.
- The aircraft's stall warning system's operational status at the time of the accident could not be determined.
- The pilot was likely performing a low-altitude, low-speed inspection of a landing area.
- Discrepancies in the STOL kit installation, such as the missing body filler and unapproved stall warning indicator, were noted, though the exact impact of the filler's absence on aerodynamic performance remained unknown.