Accident Overview
A float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration C-FODG, serial number 205) was destroyed by a post-impact fire after a flight in adverse weather near Squaw Lake, Quebec. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries.
Flight Details
On the day of the accident, the aircraft departed the outfitter base camp at Squaw Lake at 0925 eastern daylight time. It was on a round-trip visual flight rules (VFR) flight to two wilderness camps, Camp 2 and Camp Pons, with a passenger and supplies on board. Weather conditions at Squaw Lake were suitable for visual flight at takeoff, but were forecast to deteriorate later in the day.
After completing the flights to the camps, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather on the return leg. He performed a precautionary landing on Elross Lake, 15 nautical miles (nm) northwest of Squaw Lake. At 1630, the pilot contacted the company via high frequency (HF) radio, reporting his intention to depart Elross Lake as a break in the weather appeared. The aircraft did not arrive at the base camp, prompting a search.
Search and Recovery
Rescue efforts began in the evening when the aircraft failed to arrive. The wreckage was located the following day at 1230, approximately 4 nm from Elross Lake. The aircraft had been destroyed by a post-impact fire.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the pilot attempted to cross a mountain ridge in adverse weather, resulting in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude from which recovery was not possible. Contributing factors included loss of visual references, strong updrafts, moderate to severe turbulence, and possible wind shear. The investigation also noted that a satellite phone would have provided a more effective means of communication in remote areas.