What happened
On a scenic flight departing from a wharf at Lac Ouimet, Quebec, a Cessna 185 seaplane, registration C-FYZC, capsized while preparing for takeoff. The aircraft, operated by Aviation Wheelair, was carrying a pilot and five passengers under visual flight rules. After taxiing approximately 500 m downwind, the pilot attempted to turn the aircraft into the wind. During this maneuver, the pilot applied the throttle, causing the left wing to lift and the right float to dig into the water.
In an effort to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot applied full right rudder, full left aileron, and full throttle. This action caused the propeller to strike the water, leading to the aircraft overturning and submerging. While the pilot and four passengers successfully escaped the cabin, one passenger in the right front seat was unable to exit the submerged aircraft and drowned. Rescuers from a nearby boat and another company aircraft reached the survivors within seven minutes.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the operational procedures of the operator. Investigators looked into the impact of wind, water resistance, and the pilot's control inputs during the incident. The probe also reviewed the safety briefing provided to passengers, the use of safety equipment, and the operator's compliance with previously identified operational deficiencies.
Findings
- The primary cause of the capsize was the combination of centrifugal forces, wind gusts, and water resistance during a crosswind takeoff attempt, compounded by the pilot's application of full throttle and rudder to regain control.
- The aircraft was subjected to strong, irregular wind gusts and rough water conditions that increased the risk of tipping.
- The passenger in the front right seat likely became disoriented in the overturned cabin and could not locate the exit.
- No safety briefing was provided to the passengers prior to the flight, which resulted in the occupants being unaware of the lifejacket locations.
- The instructions on the aircraft's safety briefing card regarding the passenger door were inaccurate.
- The pilot and the front passenger were not wearing required shoulder harnesses.
- The operator had failed to implement corrective measures for previously identified deficiencies regarding pilot schedule monitoring and safety briefings.