What happened
On 02 May 2025, a De Havrolland Aircraft of Canada Limited DHC-2 Mk. I, registered as C-FYNT, arrived at the Aviation B.L. Inc. maintenance facility located at the St-Mathias Water Aerodrome (CSV9) in Quebec. The aircraft, operated by ETA Aviation & César Camp du Nord Inc., had been stored at the facility over the winter months. Following a discussion regarding recent maintenance work, the aircraft was refueled with approximately 79 imperial gallons of fuel. After the pilot and a passenger assisted in placing the floatplane into the water, a preflight inspection was completed.
During the flight operations, the pilot and passenger taxied northeast along the river, performing necessary pre-takeoff checks and engine run-ups. At roughly 1100, the aircraft initiated a takeoff run in a southwesterly direction under visual flight rules. During the takeoff roll, the pilot attempted to lift the right wing by turning the control wheel to the left. However, the left wing lifted instead of the intended side. In an attempt to correct the movement, the pilot turned the wheel further to the left, which increased the lift on the left wing. This caused the aircraft to roll heavily to the right, resulting in the right wing striking the water and the aircraft overturning.
Following the impact, the passenger managed to escape through a window after being unable to open the door, sustaining serious injuries to his right arm. While the passenger was able to reach the shore with assistance from emergency responders, the pilot was found deceased inside the submerged aircraft once it was recovered later that day.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced an unexpected wing lift during the takeoff phase.
- Incorrect control input led to an increase in the lift of the left wing, causing the aircraft to roll and capsize.