What happened
A Cessna 180J floatplane, registered as C-FDNZ, was performing camp maintenance and supply flights in Ontario when it crashed near the shoreline of Miller Lake. The aircraft was traveling from Miller Lake toward Roderick Lake as part of a series of supply runs. During the flight, the aircraft was maneuvering in the vicinity of boat caches north of the lake. The aircraft struck the ground, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury. The wreckage was discovered in a wooded area several hours after the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records and found that while the Cessna 180J was maintained under an annual inspection program, this program did not meet the specific requirements of the Canadian Aviation Regulations for a commercially registered aircraft. However, no mechanical failures were identified as a cause of the crash.
Regarding the search and rescue efforts, investigators found that the operator's flight watch system did not trigger a response until 2130, several hours after the expected arrival time. This delay, combined with worsening weather and the lack of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, significantly hindered the rescue. The passenger remained trapped in the wreckage for approximately 18 hours. It was determined that the ELT had been turned off prior to the flight, and its physical location prevented the passenger from activating it after the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a low-level wing stall while maneuvering at an altitude that prevented recovery.
- The stall was likely triggered by low-level windshear present in the area.
- The delay in initiating search and rescue was caused by the operator's flight watch system failing to report the aircraft as missing until much later than the scheduled arrival.
- The absence of an ELT signal was due to the device being turned off and its position being inaccessible to the passenger.