What happened
At 1200 Pacific Daylight Time, a Cessna 185F operated by Atleo River Air Service departed Tofino, British Columbia, for a flight to Ahousat. The aircraft, registered C-GIYQ, was carrying a pilot and three passengers at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above sea level under visual flight rules. While cruising near Millar Channel, the aircraft suddenly entered a steep, nose-down descent. The plane struck the water at an angle and speed consistent with a loss of control or a deliberate dive, subsequently overturning and sinking. There were 4 fatalities in the accident. Although the emergency locator transmitter functioned, its signal was not detected until the wreckage was recovered two days later.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, the cockpit environment, and the physical evidence found within the wreckage. Investigators found that the aircraft was trimmed for level flight, meaning it would not have pitched down abruptly without significant manual input. The impact angle suggested a 45-degree descent, which would require sustained pressure on the control column.
Physical evidence, including a broken wrist on the pilot and a bent V-brace, suggested the pilot was attempting to resist a force from behind. Additionally, the injuries to a passenger seated behind the pilot were consistent with bracing or pushing forward. Evidence of beer cans and a beer case in the cabin indicated that the passengers were intoxicated and had been argumentative prior to the crash. Furthermore, investigators noted that the pilot was not wearing his shoulder strap, and the pilot's seatback lacked a locking mechanism to prevent it from tilting forward.
Findings
- Passenger interference likely caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, leading to the fatal descent.
- The passengers' intoxication may have prevented them from realizing the danger and ceasing their interference before impact.
- The lack of a locking mechanism on the pilot's seatback, combined with the pilot's failure to use his shoulder strap, allowed his upper body to be forced onto the instrument panel.
- The accessibility of aircraft controls to passengers creates a significant risk of inadvertent manipulation and loss of control.