Accident
A Cessna 185 (C-FYZC) operated by Aviation Wheelair was preparing for a scenic flight on Lac Ouimet, Quebec, under visual flight rules. The seaplane, with a pilot and five passengers aboard, taxied from the company wharf downwind for about 500 m to a takeoff area. At approximately 1510 EDT, as the pilot applied throttle, the aircraft tipped to the right, the right float dug into the water, the propeller struck the lake surface, and the seaplane capsized. The pilot and four passengers escaped from the cabin. A company seaplane and a nearby resident in a boat rescued the survivors within seven minutes. The passenger in the right front seat was unable to escape and drowned.
Contributing Factors
The investigation cited the combined effects of wind, centrifugal forces, water resistance, initiating takeoff in a crosswind, and the attempt to regain control by applying full throttle and full rudder as contributors to the capsizing. During taxi, strong gusts affected the aircraft. While turning left to face the wind, centrifugal force induced a rolling motion to the right. Wind on the left side increased the roll, and water resistance against lateral movement turned the right float into a pivot. Starting takeoff before fully into the wind worsened the roll, causing the right float to dig in. Applying full power increased the propeller's downward pull, precipitating the capsizing.
Survivability and Egress
The accident occurred at low speed, so the cabin and doors were not deformed. No occupants suffered serious or immobilizing injuries. Although no safety briefing was given, three passengers escaped through the baggage compartment door after one opened it. Another escaped through the pilot's door. The front-right passenger did not open the main door, possibly due to disorientation in the submerged cabin. Lifejackets were available but none were worn; passengers did not know their location. The pilot held two passengers until rescuers arrived, which likely improved their survival chances. The aircraft did not sink before rescue.
Operational Deficiencies
The investigation identified three operational deficiencies previously noted by Transport Canada in August 2002: monitoring of pilot schedules, use of shoulder harnesses, and pre-flight safety briefing. These recurred after the last TC audit on 28 June 2005, indicating corrective measures were not systematically implemented. The pilot's flight time records were not updated for nearly a month. Neither the pilot nor front passenger wore shoulder harnesses as required. The safety briefing card had incorrect instructions for opening the passenger door.