What happened
On the day of the accident, a DHC-2 Beaver, registration N340KA, departed from Patricia Bay with the intention of landing in Dodger Channel. The pilot initiated an approach toward the south, aiming to land into the wind. During the short final phase of the flight, the pilot identified a shoal in the intended landing area and decided to execute an overshoot to circle back and land further beyond the obstacle.
To facilitate this maneuver, the pilot increased power to establish a climb and commenced a left turn. During this turn, the aircraft moved into the lee side of Diana Island. While in this position, the aircraft encountered subsiding air, which triggered an uncontrolled descent. The pilot was unable to recover the altitude, resulting in the aircraft striking the surface of the water. The impact caused the aircraft to sink, and while the plane was a total loss, all six occupants managed to exit the aircraft without any injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft entered the lee of Diana Island during a climbing turn.
- The encounter with subsiding air prevented the pilot from maintaining altitude during the missed approach.