What happened
A de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration C-FFHF, departed from a company camp located at Ugly Lake, Labrador, with the intention of flying to Goose Bay. During the flight, the pilot communicated with an Air Labrador aircraft that was passing overhead. During this radio contact, the pilot reported that he had performed a landing on a pond and requested an extension for the search and rescue (SAR) window on his existing flight plan. The pilot indicated that the departure from the pond toward Goose Bay would occur shortly.
When the aircraft failed to arrive at Goose Bay by the updated SAR deadline of 2030 ADT, emergency procedures were initiated. The search continued for one week before an oil slick and a company-branded paddle were spotted on a pond situated approximately 66 nautical miles north of Goose Bay. Subsequent diving operations located the wreckage of the aircraft at a depth of 120 feet. The impact or subsequent submersion resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft, and the two fatalities—the pilot and one passenger—were recovered from within the debris.
Findings
- The aircraft was found submerged in 120 feet of water.
- The discovery of an oil slick and a paddle served as the primary indicators of the crash site location.