Accident Overview
On the day of the accident at approximately 1053 Eastern Daylight Time, a de Havilland DHC-2 Mk. 1 amphibious floatplane (registration C-FGYK, serial number 123) operated by Nordair Québec 2000 Inc. took off from runway 31 at La Grande-Rivière Airport, Quebec. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules to l’Eau Claire Lake, Quebec, about 190 nautical miles to the north.
Sequence of Events
The take-off run was longer than usual. The aircraft became airborne but was unable to gain altitude. At the runway end, at approximately 50 feet above ground level, the aircraft pitched up and banked left. It then nosed down and crashed in a small shallow lake.
Aircraft and Operations
The aircraft was a de Havilland DHC-2 Mk. 1 amphibious floatplane. The operator was Nordair Québec 2000 Inc. The aircraft broke up on impact, and the forward part of the cockpit was partly submerged. The emergency locator transmitter activated on impact.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and 1 front-seat passenger were fatally injured. The 3 rear-seat passengers sustained serious injuries. The aircraft broke up on impact.
Probable Cause Findings
The official investigation identified the following causes and contributing factors: 1) The aircraft was overloaded and its centre of gravity was beyond the aft limit. The aircraft pitched up and stalled at an altitude that did not allow the pilot to execute the stall recovery manoeuvre. 2) The baggage was not secured. Shifting of the baggage caused the triple seat to pivot forward, propelling the 3 rear-seat passengers against the pilot and front-seat passenger during impact. 3) Although the design of the triple seat met aviation standards, it separated from the floor at the time of impact, principally due to the fact that the heavy cargo shifted. 4) The action taken by TC did not have the desired outcomes to ensure regulatory compliance; consequently, unsafe practices persisted. A finding as to risk stated that operating an aircraft outside the limits and conditions under which a permit is issued can increase the risk of an accident.