What happened
On a morning in Quebec, a de Havilland DHC-2 Mk. 1 amphibious floatplane, operating under the registration C-FGYK, departed from runway 31 at La Grande-Rivière Airport. The flight, managed by Nordair Québec 2000 Inc., was intended to be a visual flight rules mission toward l’Eau Claire Lake, located roughly 190 nautical miles to the north.
During the departure sequence, the aircraft required a longer takeoff roll than is typically expected. Although the plane successfully became airborne, it struggled to climb. As the aircraft reached the end of the runway at an altitude of approximately 50 feet, it experienced a sudden pitch-up and a left bank. This maneuver was followed by a nose-down attitude, leading the aircraft to strike a small, shallow lake.
The impact caused the aircraft to break apart, leaving the forward section of the cockpit partially underwater. The accident resulted in two fatalities among the pilot and a front-seat passenger, while the three passengers seated in the rear of the aircraft suffered serious injuries. The onboard emergency locator transmitter was triggered upon the collision.
Findings
- The takeoff roll was notably longer than normal.
- The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude following takeoff.