What happened
On the morning of 23 July 2010, a de Havillleand DHC–2 Mk. 1 amphibious floatplane, registered as C–FGYK, departed from La Grande–Rivière Airport in Quebec. Operated by Nordair Québec 2000 Inc., the aircraft was en route to l'Eau Claire Lake for a passenger canoe expedition. During the takeoff from runway 31, the aircraft required a longer-than-normal ground roll. After becoming airborne, the plane failed to climb. At approximately 50 feet above the ground, the aircraft pitched upward and banked to the left before diving into a shallow lake roughly 900 meters from the runway end. The impact caused the aircraft to break into three sections, with the cockpit partially submerged. The crash resulted in two fatalities and three serious injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's weight, balance, and loading configuration. It was discovered that the aircraft was carrying additional fuel in several 20-litre containers placed both in the forward floats and behind the rear passenger seat. Additionally, an 18-foot canoe was attached to the right float struts. The pilot had not weighed the baggage before departure, and the cargo was not secured to the aircraft floor.
Technical analysis revealed that the aircraft was operating in an overweight condition with a center of gravity (CG) located behind the allowable aft limit. This configuration increased the stall speed and made the aircraft's stall characteristics difficult to manage. Furthermore, the investigation found that the carrier lacked the necessary documentation to carry external loads and that the dimensions of the attached canoe exceeded approved limits. The investigation also noted that the triple seat in the rear of the cabin separated from its fittings during the impact because the unsecured baggage shifted forward.
Findings
- The aircraft was overweight and the center of gravity was beyond the aft limit, causing a stall at an altitude that prevented the pilot from executing a recovery.
- The pilot elected to take off from runway 31 despite a tailwind component that increased the required takeoff distance.
- The baggage was not secured to the floor, and its forward movement during impact caused the rear seat to pivot, contributing to the injuries of the passengers.
- The carrier was operating without the required approval for the specific external load being carried.
- Regulatory oversight by Transport Canada had failed to prevent the persistence of unsafe practices and non-compliance regarding baggage tie-down systems.