What happened
On a return flight from Thor Lake to the Yellowknife float-plane base (CEN9), a de Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter, registration C-GARW, experienced a severe landing accident. While approaching the water, the crew encountered gusty winds and turbulence. During the landing sequence, the aircraft bounced and subsequently struck the water heavily on its right float.
In an attempt to recover, the flight crew initiated a go-around. However, the aircraft lifted off at a low speed with a nose-high and right-wing-low attitude. As the plane turned toward the shore, the right wing struck power lines and cables. The aircraft then collided with an office building, after which it dropped onto its nose and cartwheeled into a nearby parking lot. The accident resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries, with four passengers suffering serious injuries and three sustaining minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's handling and crew coordination during the landing and subsequent go-around. Investigators examined the weather conditions, noting that while the crew had planned for higher approach speeds to account for 30-knot gusts and waves, the actual airspeed dropped below the agreed-upon threshold.
Technical analysis showed that the aircraft's right float dug into the water, causing a yaw to the right. When full power was applied for the go-around, the combination of pitch-up forces and the existing flight configuration prevented the aircraft from accelerating. There was also evidence suggesting that the captain may have taken control without clearly communicating the change to the first officer, potentially leading to simultaneous control inputs.
Findings
- Airspeed fluctuations caused by gusty winds and turbulence led to a bounced landing.
- Improper go-around techniques prevented the aircraft from maintaining sufficient airspeed to climb.
- Potential confusion in crew coordination during the recovery attempt contributed to the loss of control.