Accident Sequence
On 14 July 2008, a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration C-FPQC, serial number 873), operated by Labrador Air Safari (1984) Inc., departed Crossroads Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, at approximately 0813 Atlantic daylight time with the pilot and six passengers. About three minutes after takeoff, while climbing at approximately 350 feet above ground and 85 mph ground speed, the engine failed abruptly. The pilot initiated a left turn, and shortly after, the aircraft crashed in a bog. The impact forces activated the onboard emergency locator transmitter. The aircraft was substantially damaged but there was no post-impact fire.
Pilot Information
The pilot was certified and qualified in accordance with regulations. He started working for the operator in June 2008 and received company training on the Beaver. At the time of the accident flight, he had accumulated 7,885 total flying hours, including about 1,000 hours on type. Since June 2008, he had conducted 152 take-offs and landings in the occurrence area.
Aircraft and Engine History
The aircraft was certified, equipped, and maintained per regulations. Weight and centre of gravity were within limits. On 12 July 2008, during a local flight, engine oil pressure dropped below the normal 75 psi and fluctuated between 50 and 75 psi; other indications were normal. The pilot discussed the issue with maintenance, who suspected a faulty gauge and considered it safe to continue flying until a check on 14 July. The pilot made two short flights on 13 July with oil pressure between 50 and 75 psi. On the accident day, the pilot was scheduled to drop off four customers and two guides at fishing sites before proceeding to Wabush.
Weather Conditions
No official weather reporting facilities were near Crossroads Lake. General area conditions were visual meteorological with good visibility, light southwest winds, and temperature about 15°C.
Investigation Findings
Examination revealed that during the engine overhaul, linkpin plugs had not been installed. Over 90 hours since overhaul, the absence caused reduced oil pressure at the master rod bearing and crankpin interface, leading to increased heat from friction, accelerated wear, and smearing of bearing material, resulting in inadequate lubrication to critical engine components. No debris was found in the oil filter, indicating catastrophic failure due to inadequate lubrication to the linkpin bushings.
Regarding the forced landing, the Beaver flight manual and training guidance advise maintaining safe airspeed by lowering the nose and landing straight ahead. However, the pilot turned approximately 130° to seek a more suitable landing area. During the turn, airspeed decreased and the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall at a height where recovery was not possible, leading to a rapid descent and impact. Had the pilot followed guidance to proceed straight ahead while maintaining safe speed, the crash landing might have been less violent.
The oil pressure indicator had a green arc (70-90 psi), but the Beaver with Pratt & Whitney R985 engine can operate within 50-100 psi (between red arcs). This inconsistency with industry practice could cause confusion.
Additionally, the pilot was not wearing the shoulder harness; using it would likely have reduced his injuries.
Probable Cause
The linkpin plugs had not been installed in the recently overhauled engine, causing inadequate lubrication to the linkpin bushings, increased heat, and eventually an abrupt engine failure. Immediately following the engine failure, while the pilot manoeuvred the aircraft for a forced landing, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall at a height from which recovery was not possible.