What happened
On a recent afternoon near Torrance, Ontario, a Cessna TU206G amphibious aircraft, registered C-GGMG, crashed during a routine flight from a local dock. The aircraft, operated privately, was performing a return trip from a cottage on Lake Muskoka back to Buttonville Airport. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules, and no flight plans had been filed for the journey.
After departing from the lake surface, the aircraft successfully became airborne and reached an altitude of approximately 90 feet. However, as the aircraft progressed along its flight path, it flew over a train trestle and began striking trees along the shoreline. The impact with several large trees caused the aircraft to break up significantly. Following the collision, the aircraft struck the ground in an inverted position, which triggered a post-crash fire that destroyed most of the wreckage. The pilot and one passenger sustained two fatalities.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and reviewed video evidence of the takeoff. The analysis showed that the takeoff itself was normal, with the aircraft maintaining a shallow climb in a southerly direction. Examination of the propeller indicated that the engine was producing considerable power at the moment of impact, and no mechanical failures or flight control issues were identified in the wreckage. The aircraft was found to be properly configured for flight according to standard procedures.
While the aircraft had sufficient distance and performance capability to clear the shoreline trees, the exact reason for the collision remains unconfirmed. Investigators noted that the pilot had limited experience in this specific aircraft over the previous two years. Additionally, while the pilot's license was valid, there was no record of a float endorsement on the current license issued by Transport Canada.
Findings
- The aircraft struck trees for undetermined reasons.
- A post-impact fire consumed the majority of the aircraft wreckage.
- The emergency locator transmitter failed to activate because it was destroyed during the crash.