What happened
On the morning of 26 October 2019, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registered as C-GBTU, departed from Bissett Water Aerodrome in Manitoba. The aircraft was operated by Blue Water Aviation and was carrying a pilot, two passengers, and roughly 800 pounds of cargo. The flight was intended to land at Little Grand Rapids, located on the eastern side of Family Lake.
During the approach to the lake at approximately 0845 Central Daylight Time, the aircraft's right wing detached from the fuselage. Following this structural failure, the plane pitched into a nose-down position and crashed into the water. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in three fatalities.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the structural failure of the wing during the approach phase of the flight. Investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances leading up to the separation of the right wing from the aircraft's fuselage.