What happened
While attempting a water takeoff from Cooks Bay, a shallow area of Lake Simcoe, an aircraft struck the wake of a large vessel while accelerating on the step. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce across the water multiple times. With each successive bounce, the aircraft's nose-down attitude became increasingly steep. The force of these impacts caused significant damage to the aircraft's nose section.
Following the impacts, the aircraft's nose began taking on water. Although the pilot attempted to tow the aircraft toward the shore, the vessel eventually sank. The flight involved the pilot and two passengers. One passenger sustained serious injuries, another suffered minor injuries, and the pilot received treatment for internal bruising. All occupants were wearing life jackets, which were available on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the pilot's recent flight history and found that the pilot had only completed two flights in the six months prior to the accident. One of these previous flights included a water takeoff and landing at the same location, but the accident occurred during the pilot's third attempt in that period.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the regulatory requirements for carrying passengers. Under Air Navigation Order (ANO), Series IV, No. 2, pilots carrying passengers must have completed at least five take-offs and landings in the same category and class of aircraft within the preceding six months. The investigation established that the pilot did not meet these requirements.
Additionally, the lack of safety equipment was noted; the aircraft was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. Investigators determined that the presence of such harnesses might have mitigated the severity of the injuries sustained by the passengers.