What happened
On 26 July 2019, a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration C-GURL, was operating a scheduled transport flight from Vancouver International Water Aerodrome to a remote fishing lodge on the central coast of British Columbia. Due to unfavorable weather conditions in the region, the flight's departure was delayed from its original 0730 slot, eventually departing at 0932.
During the flight, the aircraft descended through various altitudes, eventually reaching approximately 330 feet above sea level while flying over the ocean along the coastline. As the aircraft approached Fitz Hugh Sound, it encountered heavy rain and reduced visibility. At approximately 1103, the aircraft passed another Seair aircraft on a reciprocal track. Following this encounter, the pilot began a gradual 25-degree turn toward the west.
Shortly after the turn commenced, the aircraft entered a shallow climb. At 1104:55, the Cessna 208 Caravan struck trees on Addenbroke Island at an altitude of roughly 490 feet. The aircraft proceeded through the dense forest for about 450 feet before coming to a stop at an elevation of 425 feet. The accident resulted in 4 fatalities and 5 injuries, with four of the injured sustained serious harm.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in heavy rain showers with visibility reduced to approximately 1 statute mile.
- The flight path involved a course change toward the western shoreline of the sound during the descent.