Incident
While holding outside the control zone at Red Lake (YRL) pending a special VFR clearance, the pilot observed a flock of large birds and performed a descending turn to avoid them. During this maneuver, the right wing of the Cessna struck the water of Ranger Lake. The impact caused the aircraft to overturn, and it came to rest partially submerged on the west side of the lake.
Rescue Efforts
A military DHC-8 aircraft, which had diverted to Red Lake, located the partially submerged Cessna. The pilot was seen on the wing of the overturned aircraft. Subsequently, a floatplane registered C-FVTU arrived at the scene and picked up the pilot, returning him to Red Lake.
Injuries
The pilot suffered shoulder injuries, arm injuries, facial injuries, and hypothermia as a result of the accident.