Overview
An aircraft operating on behalf of the British Columbia Department of Public Works was destroyed in a post-crash fire after stalling and crashing in a field near Sooke, British Columbia. The flight was intended to allow the passenger, a representative of the department, to conduct a visual inspection of a bridge before returning to Patricia Bay. Both occupants—the pilot and the passenger—were killed in the accident.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft climbed steeply to an altitude of approximately 50 feet. During the climb, it began to veer and roll to the left while maintaining a nose-high attitude. The aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted the ground, resulting in a fire that engulfed the wreckage.
Aftermath
Emergency services responded to the scene, but the aircraft was completely consumed by fire. The identities of the occupants were not immediately disclosed. The debris field was contained to the field where the crash occurred.
Investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and flight conditions. It is believed that the pilot was inexperienced, though the investigation did not provide a specific probable cause for the accident.