Accident Summary
On a day visual flight rules flight from a lake adjacent to a remote fishing cabin near Buss Lakes to Southend, Saskatchewan, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 (registration C-GUJX, serial number 1132) crashed along the shoreline of another lake approximately 2 nautical miles southeast of its departure point. The impact was severe, and all five occupants—four passengers and one pilot—were killed. The emergency locator transmitter activated after the crash. There was no post-crash fire. The accident occurred during daylight hours at about 1111 Central Standard Time.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft was a de Havilland DHC-2, equipped with floats, owned and operated by Lawrence Bay Airways Ltd. It had departed from a lake near a remote fishing cabin at Buss Lakes, with an intended destination of Southend, Saskatchewan, approximately 37 nautical miles to the southeast.
Investigation
Investigators determined that while manoeuvring at low level, the aircraft's critical angle of attack was likely exceeded, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. The stall occurred at an altitude from which recovery was not possible, leading to the impact. The propeller blade tip had separated from the propeller, but this was likely a result of impact forces, not a pre-existing condition. The investigation could not determine whether the fuel pressure warning light was illuminated prior to the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states: While manoeuvring at low level, the aircraft's critical angle of attack was likely exceeded and the aircraft stalled. The stall occurred at an altitude from which recovery was not possible.