What happened
On a day involving urgent medical transport, an Air Fecteau charter flight was dispatched from Comb Island to Fort George, Quebec. The mission was initiated after medical personnel requested the rapid transfer of two children, aged 4 and 9, who were suffering from high fevers. The aircraft, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, was carrying a total of six occupants: the pilot, a nurse, two children, and their two grandparents.
During the takeoff phase, while operating in marginal weather conditions, the single-engine aircraft struck a wave with its tail. This impact caused the plane to crash into the waters of Baie James, situated between Wemindji and Fort George. The aircraft subsequently sank beneath the surface.
Search and rescue operations were initiated at 1700LT. The pilot's body was located later that afternoon, while the remaining five passengers were recovered the following day. There were six fatalities in total.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered marginal weather conditions during the departure.
- The accident was triggered when the tail of the airplane made contact with a wave.