Water impact during evasive maneuver results in one fatality

1 fatality • Ucluelet, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft struck the water following an attempt to avoid an obstacle, resulting in one drowning death and three survivors.

What happened

During a period of limited visibility, the aircraft performed an evasive maneuver to avoid hitting a cement channel marker. During this sequence, the plane veered toward the left before sliding to the right and ultimately making contact with the water's surface.

Following the impact, there were four people on board the aircraft. One passenger succumbed to drowning during the incident. The remaining three occupants of the aircraft were successfully rescued from the scene.

Findings

  • The accident occurred under conditions of reduced visibility.
  • The pilot attempted to avoid a fixed obstacle (a cement channel marker).
  • The sequence of events involved a leftward swerve followed by a rightward skid into the water.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the water while the crew was attempting to avoid a channel marker in low visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-02-25 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Ucluelet, Canada?

An aircraft struck the water following an attempt to avoid an obstacle, resulting in one drowning death and three survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-02-25 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-02-25 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration C-FRJG, operated by West Coast Air Services, at Ucluelet, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the water while the crew was attempting to avoid a channel marker in low visibility.

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