What happened
On a morning flight from a fishing camp located at Bradburn Lake, Manitoba, a Beech 18 seaplane was performing its third departure of the day. The flight was intended to transport passengers and luggage to the operator's base in Selkirk. After the crew and passengers were onboard, the pilot taxied the aircraft toward the southwest shore of the lake to begin the takeoff sequence on a heading of approximately 015° true.
As the aircraft reached the "on the step" phase of the takeoff run, the pilot observed the plane yaws toward the left. Initial attempts to stabilize the aircraft were made using rudder inputs and adjustments to engine power. However, as the airspeed reached roughly 60 mph, the leftward yaw returned with increased intensity. During this instability, the left float detached from the airframe, causing the left wing to impact the water surface. The aircraft underwent a sharp left turn and came to a halt on its left wing tip in approximately 15 feet of water.
Findings
- The left float separation was the primary factor leading to the loss of control.
- All seven occupants (the pilot and six passengers) escaped the sinking aircraft without injury and reached the shore safely.