Occurrence
On 14 August 2014, an Air Tractor AT-802A on amphibious floats, registration C-GXNX, was conducting wild fire fighting operations off Chantslar Lake, British Columbia. It was the second aircraft in a formation of four same-model aircraft performing touch-and-go maneuvers to pick up water. Upon lift-off, a control issue occurred, and the aircraft struck the water. The impact caused the aircraft to separate from its floats, but it remained upright before subsequently sinking.
Pilot and Equipment
The pilot was wearing a helmet, a personal floatation device (PFD), and a 4-point safety harness. After the aircraft came to rest in the water, the pilot exited on his own and inflated the PFD. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada conducted a class 3 investigation into the occurrence. The investigation determined that low speed and high takeoff weight contributed to a wing stall, leading to the collision with water.