Fatal Float-Plane Accident Near Taltheilei Narrows, Northwest Territories (C-GUJY)

Incident Overview and Flight Details A float-equipped Beaver aircraft, operated by a single pilot, departed from a fishing lodge at Taltheilei Narrows in the Northwest Territories, situated on the north shore of Great Slave Lake. The aircraft proceeded to a sheltered bay located 10 nautical miles southwest of the lodge. Upon landing, five sports-fishermen boarded the aircraft from a group of small fishing boats. The intended destination was Yellowknife, NWT, a distance of 80 nautical miles. A second float-equipped aircraft, which was transporting the passengers' baggage, was observed circling overhead during the departure sequence. ## Accident Sequence Witnesses observed the Beaver backtrack toward the entrance of the bay before turning and initiating a takeoff in a northeasterly direction. Following liftoff, the aircraft climbed to an estimated altitude of 100 to 200 feet above the water surface. It then entered a left turn, descended, and struck shallow water near the shore in a steep, nose-down, left-wing-low attitude. The impact with the water caused both wings to separate from the fuselage. Black smoke and fire were immediately observed emanating from the fuselage area. ## Emergency Response and Casualties The pilot of the second aircraft alerted the fishing guides in the nearby boats, who rushed to the accident scene. By the time the second aircraft landed in the bay, the fire was well developed and had enveloped the right side of the fuselage, which remained above the water level. The pilot and all five passengers perished in the accident. ## Official Findings The accident occurred at 1105 local time at latitude 62° 26' N and longitude 111° 38' W, during daylight hours, at an elevation of approximately 514 feet above sea level. The official investigation determined that the pilot stalled the aircraft while attempting a downwind turn in conditions of severe wind shear. The pilot was unable to regain control of the aircraft before it struck the water.