What happened
On the morning of October 19, 2006, a Cessna U206F floatplane, registration C-FAS/ASO, departed from Tortue Lake, Quebec, for a local sightseeing flight. The aircraft, operated by Aviation Mauricie/Aviation Batiscan, was carrying the pilot and five passengers toward Piles Lake. While the weather at the time of departure was suitable for visual flight rules, conditions rapidly deteriorated as the aircraft entered a valley near the Grand-Mère hydroelectric dam.
As the aircraft moved toward Piles Lake, it encountered a thick layer of fog. The pilot attempted to execute a 180-degree turn and applied full power to climb, but the loss of visual ground references made it impossible to navigate safely. During the maneuver, the left float struck a tree, causing the aircraft to pitch downward and eventually flip onto its back. Despite the significant damage to the aircraft, the pilot and all five passengers evacuated the wreckage with only slight injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance, the pilot's qualifications, and the prevailing weather conditions. The Cessna U206F was found to be airworthy and properly maintained, with no mechanical defects contributing to the crash. The pilot held a valid commercial licence and had significant experience operating floatplanes.
Investigators reviewed local weather forecasts, noting that while the initial departure was within regulatory visibility limits, the Graphic Area Forecast (GFA) had warned of potential visibility reductions to half a mile and lower ceilings due to mist and fog. The investigation also looked into the operator's history, noting that the company had previously undergone regulatory audits and faced a temporary suspension of its air operator certificate following a separate fatal accident earlier that year.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to turn back was delayed once adverse weather conditions were encountered.
- This delay resulted in the loss of visual ground references necessary for safe flight.
- The lack of visual references prevented the pilot from avoiding obstacles, leading to the aircraft striking trees and overturning.