What happened
On a recent afternoon, a float-equipped Stinson 108-1 (registration C-FEXL) was returning to the Burntwood River seaplane base from a fishing trip at Rock Lake, Manitoba. While approaching the Thompson control zone, the pilot attempted a landing during weather conditions that were below the legal minimums for visual flight rules.
The aircraft approached the water on a heading of approximately 230°, which placed the plane in a direct downwind position. During the landing, the aircraft struck the water surface with significant force, bounced roughly 3 and 30 feet into the air, and subsequently nosed over on a second impact. The aircraft ended up inverted and sustained heavy damage. The pilot sustained one fatality, while the two passengers suffered two minor injuries. The passengers managed to exit the overturned wreckage and swim to the shore before eventually finding their way to Thompson.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the float strut fittings and right-wing attachment fittings had failed due to extreme impact forces. The damage to the floats and wing struts was consistent with a flat-pitch impact against the water.
Technical reviews of the flight revealed that the approach speed was approximately 100 mph, which is significantly higher than the standard 75 mph approach speed. Because the pilot landed downwind, the ground speed at impact was greatly increased. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot had not communicated intentions on the mandatory frequency, meaning air traffic control and other aircraft in the area were unaware of the plane's presence. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was not installed at the time of the accident, which contributed to the delay in emergency services being notified.
Findings
- The pilot conducted the approach at an excessive speed with a significant tailwind, leading to a violent impact with the water.
- The force of the landing caused the float attachment fittings to fail, causing the aircraft to flip.
- The aircraft was operated in weather conditions that did not meet the requirements for VFR operations in a control zone.
- The pilot failed to maintain proper approach speed and landing configuration, resulting in a high-speed impact.
- Safety risks were increased because the pilot and front passenger were not wearing seat belts, and the rear passenger lacked a proper seat or restraint system.