Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane conducting a visual flight rules repositioning flight from Louie Bay on Nootka Island, British Columbia, to Gold River Water Aerodrome (CAU6) crashed while attempting to land in a secondary area. The aircraft came to rest approximately 75 feet from the river after striking a forested area on the west side of the river. There was no post-impact fire.
Sequence of Events
The pilot noted a rough sea state in the company’s primary landing area upon arrival at CAU6 and elected to land in a secondary area, a tree-lined river to the east of the base. The aircraft was observed overflying the company dock to the north, then turning right to align with the southwest direction of the river. During the descent on the alignment turn to final approach, the aircraft experienced an uncommanded yaw and roll. It abruptly turned further right, heading west, and continued to descend toward the trees. The pilot applied opposite aileron input in an attempt to arrest the uncommanded yaw and roll, but this increased the roll rate. At approximately 1720, the aircraft struck the forested area, coming to rest near the river.
Pilot and Rescue
Only the pilot was on board. The pilot received serious injuries and was extracted by local firefighting personnel. After being attended to by paramedics, the pilot was airlifted to hospital by a search and rescue helicopter.
Probable Cause
The official investigation found that while on the right turn to final, the aircraft experienced an uncommanded yaw and roll. The application of aileron in the opposite direction made the condition worse. This is consistent with an aerodynamic stall.