What happened
On 29 August 2024, a Viking DHC-2 Beaver floatplane, operated by Simpson Air, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight in the Northwest Territories. The aircraft was traveling from Rabbitkettle Lake toward the Fort Simpson Island Water Aerodrome with one pilot and two passengers on board.
While approximately 7 nautical miles from the destination, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of power. In response to the engine failure, the pilot executed a forced approach, successfully landing the aircraft on the Wrigley Highway. The impact resulted in minor damage to the left wing of the aircraft, but there were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the event. This type of investigation is limited in scope and focuses on the immediate circumstances of the occurrence.