What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-07-16 involved a Wilcox Lake, Richmond Hill, Ontario, operated by Cessna 172M C-FKWP, at CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot attempting a steep, low-altitude turn to avoid shoreline obstacles with insufficient altitude, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with the water.

Cessna 172M Stalls and Flips During Takeoff at Wilcox Lake

A float-equipped Cessna 172M stalled and overturned on the water after the pilot attempted a steep, low-altitude turn to avoid obstacles during departure.

What happened

At approximately 1720 EDT, a Cessna 172M floatplane, registration C-FKWP, was departing from Wilcox Lake, Ontario, bound for Manitoulin Island. Due to the restricted space on the lake, the pilot performed a figure-eight maneuver while step-taxiing to build speed for the takeoff run. Once the aircraft became airborne, the pilot initiated a steep left turn at a low altitude to avoid obstacles located along the shoreline. During this maneuver, the aircraft reached a critical angle of attack and stalled. The left float struck the water, causing the aircraft to flip and come to rest inverted in shallow water. The pilot and two passengers were able to exit the aircraft without injury.

Weather conditions at the time were clear with good visibility, and wind speeds were approximately 10 knots from the northwest. The investigation determined that weather was not a factor in the accident.

The investigation

Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical state and the pilot's credentials. The aircraft, a 1973 model, was equipped with CAP 67 2000 floats. While the engine had been modified to increase power, the aircraft systems were functioning correctly, and the engine was producing the required power during the takeoff. However, investigators noted that the installation of vortex generators on the horizontal and vertical stabilizers lacked the required maintenance release documentation.

Regarding the pilot, the investigation found that while the pilot held a valid medical certificate and a seaplane rating, there was no documentation proving compliance with recent flight experience requirements under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Additionally, while a weight and balance had been performed for the float configuration, no updated documentation was found to reflect the weight of the aircraft with the floats installed.

Findings

The pilot attempted a takeoff into the wind in a northwesterly direction, but the available distance was insufficient to clear obstacles.
The pilot attempted a steep, low-altitude turn to avoid obstacles, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with the water.
The figure-eight maneuvering during the taxi phase reduced the available takeoff distance by necessitating a large-radius turn.
The step-taxiing maneuver introduced a risk of collision with other recreational users on the lake.
There was no evidence that the pilot had met regulatory recency requirements.
The aircraft was not being operated in full accordance with maintenance regulations due to the undocumented installation of vortex generators.