Fatal Aircraft Crash During Takeoff at Chukuni River

Casualties unknown • Red Lake (Howey Bay) Water Aerodrome (CKS4), Ontario, 2.2 NM SE, CA

A De Havilland DHC-2 floatplane crashed into the shoreline during a climb following takeoff from Chukuni River, Ontario, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

On 16 June 2024, a De Havilland DHC-2 float-equipped aircraft was performing a visual flight rules flight from Chukuni River, Ontario, toward Thicketwood Lake, Ontario. The aircraft, operated by Canadian Fly-In Fishing (Red Lake) Limited, was carrying one pilot and four passengers at the time of the accident.

During the initial climb following takeoff, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently struck the shoreline, which led to the total destruction of the aircraft. Following the impact, the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter was activated.

The investigation

The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the event. This type of investigation is limited in scope and does not include formal findings or safety recommendations.

Findings

  • The impact resulted in two serious injuries and one fatality.
  • Two passengers required medical evacuation via airlift to Thunder Bay, Ontario; one of these individuals later passed away in the hospital.
  • The other passengers were evaluated at a local medical facility and subsequently released.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the climb phase immediately following takeoff, leading to a collision with the shoreline.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-06-16 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited DHC-2 Mk. I, C-GBZH accident near Red Lake (Howey Bay) Water Aerodrome (CKS4), Ontario, 2.2 NM SE, CA?

A De Havilland DHC-2 floatplane crashed into the shoreline during a climb following takeoff from Chukuni River, Ontario, resulting in one fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-06-16 involved a De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited DHC-2 Mk. I, C-GBZH, operated by Canadian Fly-in Fishing (Red Lake) Ltd., at Red Lake (Howey Bay) Water Aerodrome (CKS4), Ontario, 2.2 NM SE, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the climb phase immediately following takeoff, leading to a collision with the shoreline.

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