What happened
On the afternoon of 18 October 2021, a collision occurred in the Tofino harbour, British Columbia, involving a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 MK.I operated by Tofino Air and a water taxi named the Rocky Pass. The incident took place near the First Street dock at approximately 16:37 Pacific Daylight Time.
Following the impact, the aircraft sustained significant damage. Within roughly two and a half minutes, the aircraft overturned, leaving only its floats visible above the water's surface. While the pilot and five passengers managed to exit the aircraft safely, three passengers sustained minor injuries. The water taxi also experienced minor damage, and one person on board the vessel suffered minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the impact and the subsequent capsizing of the aircraft. Investigators noted that the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter failed to send out a signal during the event. No environmental pollution was reported following the accident.
Findings
- The collision occurred between the de Havilland DHC-2 MK.I and the Rocky Pass water taxi.
- The aircraft became inverted shortly after the initial impact.
- The emergency locator transmitter remained non-functional during the occurrence.