Occurrence
On a day in June 2015, a Cessna 172P (registration C-GJSE, serial number 17274696) operated by W.M.K. Holdings Ltd. (McMurray Aviation) was conducting a visual flight rules instructional flight in the practice area northeast of the Fort McMurray, Alberta (CYMM) Airport. Simultaneously, a privately operated Cessna A185E (registration C-FAXO, serial number 18501737), equipped with amphibious floats, was inbound to CYMM on a flight plan from Lloyd Lake, Saskatchewan.
At 1917 Mountain Daylight Time, approximately 21 nautical miles northeast of CYMM, the two aircraft collided at 2800 feet above sea level (1300 feet above ground level). The collision separated the left float from C-FAXO and displaced the right float, which remained attached. C-FAXO was substantially damaged. The pilot, who was the lone occupant of C-FAXO, was able to land at CYMM and was uninjured. C-GJSE broke up in flight; the student and instructor on board were fatally injured.
Investigation
The occurrence was classified as a Class 3 investigation. The investigation analyzed a small number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. The incident highlights the limitations of the see-and-avoid principle in preventing mid-air collisions.