Accident Overview
On the date of the accident, a de Havilland DHC-2 (Beaver) floatplane, serial number 841, departed Hotnarko Lake, British Columbia, at approximately 1630 Pacific daylight time. The aircraft carried the pilot and six passengers, along with fishing gear and fish. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot initiated a left turn. During the turn, the aircraft rolled further left without command to about 40 degrees of bank, and the nose dropped. The aircraft did not respond to initial pilot inputs and continued in a left, diving turn toward the trees at the edge of the lake. The pilot attempted to bring the aircraft back over the lake. The aircraft began to recover from the bank and the nose started to rise, but it struck the lake surface before a level attitude could be regained. The aircraft broke apart on contact with water and sank soon after.
Survivors and Fatalities
The pilot and four passengers managed to free themselves from the wreckage. However, only three passengers and the pilot successfully swam to shore. One passenger slipped below the water surface before reaching shore and drowned. Two passengers remained inside the aircraft below the water surface; one was secured by his seat belt. Both drowned.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the following causes and contributing factors: The aircraft stalled when the pilot entered a turn, due to the combined effects of increased g-forces, power reduction, the aircraft's heavy weight, the aft center of gravity, retraction of the flaps, and the wind conditions. The aircraft struck the lake surface before the pilot could re-establish a level-flight attitude. Additionally, the aircraft was operating in excess of 385 pounds above the maximum gross takeoff weight, with a center of gravity about 2.7 inches aft of the aft limit, which aggravated the stall characteristics. The pilot reduced power and raised the flaps before the climb was complete, contrary to the Pilot Operating Handbook, thereby increasing the aircraft's stall speed.
Other Findings
The investigation noted that the shoulder harnesses worn by the pilot and the front passenger likely prevented serious head injuries. The centre seat broke from its footings, which may have incapacitated the two passengers who remained inside the aircraft or impeded their escape.