What happened
On 18 May 2004, Pickerel Arm Camps was conducting transport operations between its main water base and remote fishing lodges near Sioux Lookout, Ontario. The company was transporting guests and supplies to Fawcett Lake. The group of seven guests was split into two separate flights using the company's two float-equipped aircraft.
The first flight, consisting of a de Hav and DHC-2 Beaver with registration C-GQHT, carried three guests and the group's supplies. This aircraft departed the water base at approximately 1700 EDT under visual flight rules. A second aircraft, carrying the remaining four guests and their personal luggage, followed later that evening.
Upon arriving at the destination at approximately 1930, the crew and passengers of the second flight realized the first aircraft had not arrived. A subsequent search revealed the de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver had overturned in the lake. Emergency responders and Ontario Provincial Police divers recovered the bodies of the pilot and three passengers, totaling four fatalities. The aircraft suffered substantial damage, though no fire was reported at the scene.
Findings
There were no specific findings regarding the cause of the accident provided in the source material.