What happened
At approximately 1630 Pacific daylight time, a de Havillance DHC-2 (Beaver) floatplane departed from Hotnarko Lake, British Columbia, carrying the pilot and six passengers. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was performing a left turn, it experienced an uncommanded roll to 40 degrees accompanied by a nose drop. Despite the pilot's efforts to use right aileron and rudder to correct the descent, the aircraft continued a diving turn toward the shoreline. Although the aircraft began to recover its attitude, it struck the lake surface at a low altitude, causing the airframe to break apart and sink.
During the accident, the pilot and several passengers managed to exit the submerged wreckage. However, the incident resulted in three fatalities, all of which were caused by drowning. One passenger drowned while attempting to swim to shore, and two passengers remained trapped within the sunken aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum gross takeoff weight by approximately 385 pounds. Furthermore, the center of gravity was found to be 2.7 inches aft of the allowable aft limit. The investigation also noted that the pilot had reduced engine power and retracted the flaps before the climb was fully established, a deviation from the Pilot Operating Handbook.
Technical analysis of the control mechanisms showed no mechanical failures or power loss prior to the impact. However, the investigation highlighted that the aircraft's configuration—specifically the heavy load and aft center of gravity—created highly unstable stall characteristics. The investigation also noted that while life jackets were available on board, none of the occupants were wearing them at the time of the crash.