Flight Details
The flight originated in Ocean Falls on the morning of the accident. The float-equipped aircraft, with a pilot and two passengers on board, departed Vancouver and proceeded approximately 330 miles north to Bella Bella. One passenger deplaned there. The aircraft then stopped at Klemtu, 39 miles north of Bella Bella, where four passengers boarded for the final leg to Ocean Falls, 35 miles further east. The aircraft failed to arrive at Ocean Falls, prompting search and rescue action. Eleven days later, the aircraft was located in a bush area, 100 yards from shore, 6 miles short of Ocean Falls. All individuals on board had perished.
Fuel State and Flight Times
Evidence indicates that the pilot had received less than 4 hours of rest the previous night. On arrival in Vancouver after a direct nonstop flight from Ocean Falls lasting approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, the aircraft's fuel state was very low. During refueling, it was estimated that only 4 gallons of fuel remained. After refueling and boarding passengers, the aircraft departed for Bella Bella; that flight lasted 3 hours. No additional fuel was added after departure from Vancouver, although a company agent queried the pilot about his fuel state prior to departure from Bella Bella. The pilot indicated he had enough fuel to complete the flight from Ocean Falls via Klemtu. The aircraft then proceeded to Klemtu and was last heard from following departure from there. The aircraft's total flight time from Vancouver to the accident scene was approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, 15 minutes longer than the original direct flight from Ocean Falls to Vancouver.
Findings and Probable Cause
Examination of the wreckage indicated no preimpact damage of any kind. Damage to the aircraft was consistent with ground impact in a flat attitude with little forward velocity. No evidence of post-impact fire or fuel was found at the crash site. The center and rear fuel tank bays were undamaged, but the forward bay had been punctured on impact. The fuel selector was found selected to the center tank. Draining of the aircraft's fuel system produced only 6 ounces from the rear fuel tank sump. Damage to the propeller indicated it was not rotating on impact; however, examination of the engine showed it would have been capable of producing power had fuel been available.
From the evidence examined, it is concluded that while in normal cruise configuration at a relatively low altitude, the aircraft's engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion. While proceeding downslope toward a small inlet in an apparent attempt at a forced landing, the aircraft entered a rapid descent in a flat attitude, consistent with a stall, and impacted the ground heavily. Most probably, this apparent stall occurred as a result of an attempt to stretch the glide.