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Amphibious aircraft loss during firefighting mission near Zadar (72201)

Zadar, CroatiaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 11, 1984, a Canadair CL-215 (registration 72201) operated by Yugoslav Air Force - Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo i Protivvazdušna Odbrana was involved in an aviation accident near Zadar, Croatia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost stability and sank after the left float struck the water and detached during a low-altitude scooping maneuver. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft engaged in aerial firefighting operations sank after a float detachment caused a water loop during a scooping maneuver.

What happened

During an active firefighting operation near Zadar, the crew of an amphibious aircraft was performing a water scooping maneuver. As the aircraft approached the surface to collect water, the left float made contact with the water's surface. This impact resulted in the structural failure and detachment of the left float.

Following the loss of the float, the aircraft became uncontrollable. The plane entered a water loop sequence before ultimately sinking into the water. Emergency response efforts led to the rescue of two crew members, but the accident resulted in one fatality among the three people on board.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the loss of control was the impact of the left float with the water surface during the scooping phase of the mission.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost stability and sank after the left float struck the water and detached during a low-altitude scooping maneuver.

Related events

Same operator

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