What happened
On 20 June 2023, a Quest Kodiak 100 amphibious float-equipped aircraft was performing a flight from Masset Airport (CYZT) in British Columbia toward a cabin situated roughly 60 nautical miles northwest of Tofino. The aircraft, which carried four people on board, was attempting a landing when the pilot initiated a rejected landing procedure. During the subsequent go-around, the aircraft struck the ground.
Following the impact, an emergency locator transmitter signal was detected by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria. A large-scale emergency response was mobilized, including the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Armed Forces Search and Rescue, the RCMP, and local fire services. A fire broke out after the collision, which ultimately destroyed the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the terrain impact during the aborted landing attempt. Responders arrived at the scene to find the wreckage of the aircraft following the post-impact fire.
Findings
- The accident resulted in two fatalities and two injuries, with one passenger sustaining serious injuries and another receiving minor injuries.
- The primary factor in the accident was the collision with terrain during the go-around maneuver.