What happened
On 24 October 2013, a Cessna C-185E seaplane, operated by CBE Construction Ltd. and registered as C-FQGZ, was performing a charter flight from the Port McNeill, British Columbia, water aerodrome. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers toward West Cracroft Island.
At approximately 11:40 Pacific Daylight Time, the aircraft was maneuvering to land on the water when it lost controlled flight. The plane struck terrain at an elevation of 27 feet above sea level on a small island located within Potts Lagoon. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and three fatalities. There was no fire following the collision, and the emergency locator transmitter failed to send a signal.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the loss of control during the landing sequence. Investigators examined the aircraft's flight path and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. A key element of the inquiry involved determining the performance characteristics of the aircraft during the maneuver that led to the impact.