Fatal crash of ski-equipped Otter aircraft on frozen lake

Casualties unknown • Jellicoe, Ontario, CA

A de Havilland DHC-3 Otter crashed during takeoff from a snow-covered airstrip, resulting in two fatalities and one survivor.

What happened

On a morning in early 2004, a pilot prepared a turbine-powered de Havilland DHC-3 (Otter), registered C-GOFF, for a flight to a remote destination. The aircraft was equipped with skis and carried two passengers along with heavy supplies, including camping gear and a snowmobile. After waiting for weather conditions to clear, the aircraft departed the airstrip heading east at approximately 1200 EST.

Shortly after lifting off near the end of the runway, the right wing of the aircraft collided with birch trees and small bushes. This impact caused the aircraft to descend into a frozen lake, roughly 70 feet below the airfield's elevation, in a steep, nose-down, and right-wing-low attitude. The impact left the aircraft inverted and partially submerged in the ice. The pilot and the front-seat passenger sustained fatal injuries, while the rear passenger survived despite leg injuries. The survivor was located by a local operator approximately 22 hours after the crash.

The investigation

Investigators examined the takeoff performance and the condition of the airstrip. It was noted that the pilot had intended to use the aircraft to pack down the snow on the runway prior to departure, but this task was not completed. The investigation also reviewed the functionality of the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and the physical configuration of the aircraft's interior.

Findings

  • The aircraft was likely at or near its maximum gross weight, and the deep snow caused the skis to plow, creating significant drag that prevented normal acceleration.
  • The pilot forced the aircraft into the air with insufficient airspeed to climb out of ground effect and clear obstacles at the end of the runway.
  • The pilot failed to abort the takeoff despite evidence that the aircraft was not accelerating properly; tracks in the snow indicated the tail never lifted during the takeoff roll.
  • The ELT failed to activate, likely due to a unidirectional G switch that did not trigger under the specific impact forces, and the antenna was severed during the crash.
  • The rear passenger seat had been installed in a manner that did not comply with manufacturer service bulletins.
  • The aircraft's certificate of airworthiness was compromised due to exceeding the flight limits of its ferry permit.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted to take off from a snow-covered runway without achieving sufficient airspeed due to heavy drag, subsequently forcing the aircraft into the air and failing to clear obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-12-16 de Havilland DHC-3 (Otter), C-GOFF accident near Jellicoe, Ontario, CA?

A de Havilland DHC-3 Otter crashed during takeoff from a snow-covered airstrip, resulting in two fatalities and one survivor.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-12-16 involved a de Havilland DHC-3 (Otter), C-GOFF, operated by Huron Air & Outfitters Incorporated, at Jellicoe, Ontario, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted to take off from a snow-covered runway without achieving sufficient airspeed due to heavy drag, subsequently forcing the aircraft into the air and failing to clear obstacles.

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