Cochrane Air Service floatplane accident at Lillabelle Lake

2 fatalities • Lillabelle Lake, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

A de Havilland DHC-2 Mk.1 Beaver operated by Cochrane Air Service crashed during a go-around attempt at Lillabelle Lake, Ontario, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

A Cochrane Air Service floatplane, a de Havelseand DHC-2 Mk.1 Beaver with registration C-FGBF, departed from Edgar Lake, Ontario, carrying two passengers and 300 pounds of cargo. The flight was intended to reach the operator's primary base at Lillabelle Lake, located roughly 77 miles south of the departure point.

Upon approaching the destination, the pilot attempted a landing toward the southwest to align with prevailing winds. Due to the narrowness of the lake and insufficient distance for a safe touchdown, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. At 1408 EDT, immediately after applying full power, the aircraft experienced a rapid roll to the left and impacted the water in a partially inverted position. The impact caused the aircraft to settle on the muddy floor of the lake, though the floats remained intact and partially supported the wreckage.

Findings

During the accident, the passenger seated in the front of the cabin managed to escape the wreckage and was successfully rescued. However, the pilot and the passenger in the rear seat were unable to exit the aircraft and both died due to drowning. The aircraft's emergency locator transmitter functioned as intended and activated upon impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft rolled unexpectedly and struck the water during a go-around maneuver following an aborted landing attempt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-05-25 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Lillabelle Lake, Canada?

A de Havilland DHC-2 Mk.1 Beaver operated by Cochrane Air Service crashed during a go-around attempt at Lillabelle Lake, Ontario, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-05-25 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-05-25 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration C-FGBF, operated by Air Cochrane, at Lillabelle Lake, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft rolled unexpectedly and struck the water during a go-around maneuver following an aborted landing attempt.

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