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Casualties unknown

2000-09-22: de Havilland DHC-2T Beaver C-FOES — Seair Services 1990 Ltd. — Clearwater, British Columbia, 18 nm NW, CA

Clearwater, British Columbia, 18 nm NW, CA

On September 22, 2000, a de Havilland DHC-2T Beaver C-FOES operated by Seair Services 1990 Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Clearwater, British Columbia, 18 nm NW, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to avoid trees during the approach to the lake led to an impact that compromised the aircraft's controllability, while the lack of passenger restraints contributed to the severity of the injuries. This summary draws on records from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).

Sourcesthe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)Primary reportUpdated 1785068748Data APIEditorial standards

A de Havilland DHC-2T Beaver floatplane crashed into trees during a fish-dropping operation in British Columbia, leaving two people seriously injured.

What happened

On a clear day in British Columbia, a de Havilland DHC-2T Beaver was performing aerial application of fish fry near Clearwater. After successfully completing four drops at various lakes, the aircraft approached Broken Hook Lake. During the descent, the pilot attempted to increase power, but the engine failed to respond. At approximately 100 feet above the ground, the aircraft struck several treetops, causing a loss of control that led to a crash into the terrain.

The impact resulted in two serious injuries. While the pilot was unable to escape the cockpit due to the severity of his wounds, the passenger managed to exit the wreckage and alert authorities via satellite phone. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident, though no fire occurred.

The investigation

Investigators examined the engine, a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20 turboprop, and found it was producing significant power at the moment of impact. No mechanical malfunctions were identified that would have caused the aircraft to depart from controlled flight. The aircraft's weight was estimated at 5,000 pounds, well within its maximum takeoff capacity.

However, the investigation uncovered several regulatory and operational discrepancies. The aircraft had been modified with a fish hopper assembly, but there was no record of a supplemental type certificate (STC) or an amended weight and balance report from Transport Canada. Additionally, the operator's air operating certificate did not specifically list fish-dropping as an approved service, and there was no documented evidence of specialized training for the pilot regarding this specific aerial work.

Findings

  • The pilot failed to avoid the trees that obstructed the flight path during the descent.
  • The initial strike against the treetops caused damage that made the aircraft impossible to control.
  • The passenger was unrestrained, sitting on the cabin floor to operate the hopper; investigators noted that proper use of seat restraints likely would have reduced the injuries sustained by both occupants.
  • The operator lacked formal records of training for these specific aerial application maneuvers.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to avoid trees during the approach to the lake led to an impact that compromised the aircraft's controllability, while the lack of passenger restraints contributed to the severity of the injuries.

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