Float-Equipped Beaver Crashes on Landing in Dease Lake, Five Passengers Drown (C-GAEE)

Accident Sequence

On the day of the accident, a float-equipped Beaver aircraft departed Atlin, British Columbia, at 1618 Pacific daylight time (PDT) under visual flight rules (VFR). The aircraft carried a pilot and five passengers, bound for Dease Lake. Upon arrival over Dease Lake at 1735, the flight proceeded northward along the lake's east shore. Approximately one and one-half miles from the south end of the lake, the aircraft turned south to descend for a landing in the middle of the lake. The descent was characterized by a fairly steep constant angle. The aircraft struck the water, then nosed over and came to rest with only the bottom of the fuselage visible above the surface. The fuselage remained afloat for about 10 minutes before sinking in 120 feet of water. The landing area was approximately one mile from the south end of the lake. The pilot managed to escape and sustained serious injuries. The five passengers remained inside the aircraft and drowned.

Probable Cause and Findings

The official investigation identified the probable cause as the pilot's failure to recognize the glassy-water conditions and his consequent omission of the glassy-water landing technique. Key findings include:

• Glassy-water conditions existed at the time of the landing.
• The aircraft impacted the water with a high rate of descent and in a nose-down attitude.
• The passenger pre-flight briefing and safety card were insufficient to prepare occupants for emergency water evacuation.
• The pilot held the necessary certification and qualifications for the flight in accordance with regulations.
• The aircraft was certified, equipped, and maintained per regulatory requirements and approved procedures.
• No evidence of airframe failure or system malfunction was found before or during the flight.
• The aircraft's weight and centre of gravity remained within approved limits.