What happened
On a scheduled flight from Campbell River, British Columbia, a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration C-GVHT) departed at 15:30 Pacific daylight time. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and four passengers toward a logging camp located in Mackenzie Sound.
Upon reaching the vicinity of the destination, the pilot contacted ground staff via radio to report that the aircraft was flying at 2,800 feet. The pilot noted that the flight was being conducted between layers of clouds, which prevented a descent, and indicated an intention to return to the departure point due to adverse weather. Following this communication, the aircraft proceeded toward a clear area north of the camp and entered the Frederic Creek valley.
After losing radio contact with the aircraft, ground personnel initiated a search operation, which was eventually supplemented by aerial reconnaissance. These efforts were significantly obstructed by difficult weather conditions. The wreckage was located three days after the disappearance, situated approximately four nautical miles northeast of the logging camp. The impact occurred at 17:06 during daylight hours. The crash resulted in five fatalities and the total loss of the aircraft. There was no post-impact fire, and the emergency locator transmitter failed to activate because it was destroyed during the collision.
Findings
- The pilot reported being unable to descend due to cloud layers.
- Unfavourable weather conditions necessitated the return flight.