Accident
On the day of the accident, a floatplane with a pilot and five passengers was conducting a scheduled flight from Shoal Harbour to Campbell River. The service was operated daily from Campbell River with multiple coastal stops before returning. After arriving at the Shoal Harbour dock area, the aircraft docked and one passenger boarded. The aircraft then taxied for departure.
The takeoff proceeded from the harbour in a south-easterly direction. Shortly after lifting off from the water, at an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the aircraft made a 180-degree turn to the left and descended into the ground at an angle of 30 degrees. The crash site was located just inside the tree line, roughly 50 feet from the water's edge. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded and caught fire.
Casualties
One passenger managed to exit the wreckage seconds after the crash but later died the same day at a hospital in Vancouver. There were no survivors from the accident; all six occupants perished.
Investigation
Probable cause (official findings): The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. As far as could be determined, the aircraft was serviceable prior to impact.