Accident Overview
A de Havilland DHC-2T Beaver floatplane (serial number 1673TB43) was involved in an accident on July [date not specified] near Clearwater, British Columbia. The aircraft was engaged in aerial application of fish fry to several lakes. The pilot and one passenger were on board. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants sustained serious injuries. There was no post-impact fire.
Sequence of Events
The flight departed Clearwater at approximately 1230 Pacific daylight time (PDT) to begin a series of fish drops to nearby lakes. After successfully dropping fish in four lakes, the aircraft proceeded to Broken Hook Lake. While on approach to the northwestern end of the lake, the pilot advanced the power lever but the engine did not respond. At that moment, the aircraft was flying at about 100 feet above ground level and struck several treetops. Within seconds, the aircraft descended, struck the terrain, and crashed into trees. The accident occurred at 1320 PDT.
Injuries and Damage
Both the pilot and the passenger were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. No fire occurred. The source notes that proper use of a passenger restraint system would have lessened the injuries to both persons.
Probable Cause
The official investigation found the following causes and contributing factors: the pilot did not avoid the trees that obstructed the immediate flight path on descent to the lake; the damage from the tree strike seriously compromised the pilot's ability to control the aircraft, making continued flight impossible; and the serious injuries likely could have been lessened with proper use of passenger restraint systems. Additionally, the investigation identified several risk factors, including unclear Canadian regulations regarding seat restraint use in aerial work, lack of regulatory notification of fish-dropping operations, lack of specific training requirements for aerial application, and an unapproved aircraft modification for the fish-hopper equipment.