Occurrence
At approximately 0745 Central Daylight Time on 26 October 2019, a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration C-GBTU, serial number 209) operated by Blue Water Aviation departed Bissett Water Aerodrome, Manitoba, with the pilot, two passengers, and approximately 800 pounds of freight. The flight was destined for Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba, on the eastern shore of Family Lake. At around 0845, while on approach to Family Lake, the aircraft's right wing separated from the fuselage. The aircraft then entered a nose-down attitude and struck the water surface of Family Lake. The pilot and the two passengers were fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces. The emergency locator transmitter activated momentarily.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada conducted a class 3 investigation into this occurrence. Class 3 investigations analyze a small number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. The investigation focused on the wing separation event.
Safety Actions
On 16 March 2020, as a result of this occurrence, the TSB issued Safety Advisory A19C0138-D1–A1 to Viking Air Ltd., concerning de Havilland DHC-3 wing strut attachment inspections.