What happened
A repositioning flight was being conducted under visual flight rules from Louie Bay on Nootka Island to the Gold River Water Aerodrome (CAU6) in British Columbia. The aircraft, a single-engine airplane, was operated with only the pilot on board. Upon approaching the destination, the pilot observed that the primary landing area was experiencing rough sea conditions. Consequently, the decision was made to utilize the secondary landing site, which is a river bordered by trees located east of the aerodrome.
During the approach, the aircraft was seen flying over the company dock to the north before initiating a right turn to align with the southwest direction of the river. While descending during this alignment turn, the aircraft suffered an uncommanded yaw and roll. The aircraft veered sharply to the right, heading west, and continued its descent toward the treeline. Attempts to correct the movement using opposite aileron input reportedly resulted in an increased roll rate.
At roughly 1720, the aircraft impacted the forest on the western side of the river and came to a stop approximately 75 feet from the water. No fire occurred following the impact. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was rescued by local firefighters and paramedics before being transported to a hospital via search and rescue helicopter.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to mitigate the uncommanded roll with opposite aileron, which inadvertently increased the rate of the roll.