What happened
On 12 September 2021, a Piper J3C-65 equipped with floats departed from the Batiscan River, located near the Seigneurie du Triton, approximately 25 nautical miles east-northeast of La Tuque, Quebec. The flight was intended to proceed to the Saint-Étienne-des-Grès / Hydravion Aventure hydrobase.
During the initial climb following a southbound takeoff, the aircraft began a left turn while at a low altitude. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees situated roughly 100 feet from the river's east bank. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. The passenger sustained fatal injuries, while the pilot suffered serious injuries.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the accident. The scope of this investigation was limited to establishing the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain.