What happened
A Cochrane Air Service de Havilland DHC-2 Mk.1 Beaver floatplane, registration C-FGBF, was conducting a flight between Edgar Lake and Lillabelle Lake, Ontario, when it crashed on the lake. The aircraft was carrying two passengers and cargo. While attempting a southwest-bound landing to take advantage of the wind, the pilot encountered significant turbulence and gusty conditions. After being unable to settle the aircraft on the water, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the application of full power, the aircraft experienced a rapid left roll and struck the water in a partially inverted position. The impact caused the fuselage to submerge, leaving the aircraft resting on the muddy lake bottom.
While the front-seat passenger managed to exit the wreckage and was rescued, the pilot and the rear-seat passenger were unable to escape and subsequently drowned.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aerodynamic conditions during the landing attempt and the survivability of the occupants. Investigators established that the aircraft was properly maintained and the operator was following all applicable regulations. The analysis examined the impact of wind shear and mechanical turbulence caused by trees on the windward shore. The investigation also looked into the lack of a stall warning system on the aircraft, the absence of shoulder harnesses for the rear passenger, and the difficulties encountered when attempting to exit the submerged cabin.
Findings
- Strong, gusty winds and mechanical turbulence from shoreline obstacles created challenging landing conditions.
- During the aborted landing, the rapid application of power likely caused the aircraft to yaw and roll, leading to an aerodynamic stall at a low airspeed and high angle of attack.
- The pilot was unable to regain control before the aircraft struck the water due to insufficient altitude.
- The rear-seat passenger suffered a serious head injury due to the lack of a shoulder harness, which led to unconsciousness and drowning.
- The pilot's ability to exit the aircraft was hindered by the difficulty of operating the door handles and the lack of underwater egress training.
- A lack of a comprehensive passenger safety briefing meant occupants were unaware of the location of life preservers and the use of harnesses.