Accident Details
At approximately 1300 Eastern Daylight Time, a DHC-2 seaplane (registration C-GJST, serial number 1368) departed on a training flight from the Ottawa River at Gatineau, Quebec. The aircraft was on its first flight of the season, and the pilot, the sole occupant, planned approximately 12 touch-and-go landings under visual flight rules. Several upwind touch-and-go landings were conducted in a westerly direction.
At around 1340 EDT, witnesses observed the aircraft about 50 feet above the water, traveling downwind in an easterly direction with its nose pitched down more than 20 degrees. The right float struck the water, causing the aircraft to tumble multiple times and disintegrate upon impact. Despite waves and gusty winds, several riverside residents attempted to rescue the pilot, but the aircraft sank before they could reach it. The pilot, who was wearing a seat belt, sustained head injuries and drowned.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the aircraft struck the water for undetermined reasons. The investigation also found that the certificate of airworthiness was not valid at the time of the accident because required airworthiness directives had not been completed. The fixed automatic emergency locator transmitter (ELT) emitted a distress signal, but it was not received due to reduced range once the ELT was submerged; this could have increased search-and-rescue response time had there been no witnesses. Furthermore, the pilot had not conducted a training flight with an instructor for more than 19 months, a circumstance that could have resulted in degradation of his skills and decision-making.