What happened
On 24 July 1994, a Champion 7GCB floatplane departed from Boily Lake, Quebec, for a fishing trip under visual flight rules. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. After a brief stop at the lake to consult with local fishermen, the pilot attempted a second takeoff using the western portion of the lake.
During the climb-out, the pilot realized the aircraft was unable to clear a nearby hill. In an attempt to return to the water for a landing, the pilot executed a steep right turn at a very low altitude. During this maneuver, the aircraft's nose pitched downward, causing it to strike trees and the ground in a steep, left-wing-low attitude. A post-crash fire broke out, destroying the aircraft. The passenger sustained fatal injuries, while the pilot suffered serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on why the aircraft failed to clear the obstacle and why the subsequent maneuver led to a crash. Investigators determined that the aircraft was approximately 73 pounds over its maximum allowable takeoff weight. Additionally, the presence of a folding canoe attached to the right float created extra drag, and the pilot may have encountered downdrafts during the climb.
Furthermore, the investigation examined the aerodynamics of the turn. The pilot's transition from upwind to crosswind flight may have created illusions regarding the aircraft's actual airspeed. Because the aircraft lacked a stall warning system, the pilot was not alerted to the increasing angle of attack. The low altitude at which the stall occurred left no margin for recovery.
Findings
- The aircraft was overloaded, which significantly reduced takeoff and climb performance.
- Performance was further degraded by drag from a canoe attached to the right float and potential downdrafts.
- The aircraft stalled during a steep turn at an altitude too low to allow for recovery.
- The aircraft was not equipped with a stall warning system to alert the pilot of the impending stall.