What happened
On a daylight flight departing from a floatplane base in Parry Sound, Ontario, a Found FBA-2C2 Bush Hawk-XP, registration C-GYWK, experienced a significant loss of control shortly after takeoff. The flight was intended to transport two passengers and supplies, including propane tanks, to a remote cabin.
Following an initial rejected takeoff attempt due to difficulty getting the aircraft on the step, a second attempt was made. The aircraft became airborne after a run of approximately 4200 feet. As the aircraft climbed, the pilot encountered rising terrain and a railway trestle ahead. To avoid these obstacles, the pilot initiated a left turn toward lower ground. During this maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed was below the best angle-of-climb speed. The stall warning horn sounded, and the left wing and nose dropped rapidly, leading to an impact with the water. The two passengers and the pilot were able to exit the aircraft with minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance, weight and balance accuracy, and engine configuration. It was determined that the cargo, specifically the propane tanks, had not been weighed; instead, the pilot assumed a weight based on a previous benchmark. This resulted in a center of gravity that was aft of the allowable limit, creating longitudinal instability.
Additionally, investigators looked into the engine's power output. The magneto switch was found to have been set to the right-only position, which likely reduced available engine power and contributed to poor takeoff performance. The investigation also noted that the company's operations manual contained incorrect weight and balance charts for floatplanes and lacked a specific line for cargo stored in float compartments.
Findings
- The aircraft stalled at an altitude that made recovery impossible because it was pitched up and turned to avoid rising terrain while flying at an insufficient airspeed.
- The aircraft's center of gravity was aft of the prescribed limit due to unverified cargo weights.
- Reduced engine power, potentially caused by the magneto switch being left in the incorrect position, hindered takeoff performance.
- The lack of a passenger safety briefing increased the risk of improper life preserver use during the emergency.
- The use of seatbelts and the fact that the aircraft doors and windows dislodged upon impact contributed to the successful egress of the occupants.