Incident Overview
A DHC-3 floatplane, operating alongside a Cessna 185, was chartered to move equipment from an outpost camp threatened by forest fires in the Tadoule Lake (Lac Brochet, Manitoba) area. The aircraft was loaded with two 45-gallon drums of #2 gas, a propane cylinder, battery chargers, and other miscellaneous items. The pilot and two passengers—the camp owner and his son—were on board.
Flight and Accident Sequence
Takeoff was conducted in a westerly direction into light winds estimated at 5 to 8 knots. The local temperature was 27°C, and the aircraft was near its maximum gross weight. After becoming airborne, a windshift occurred, which may have resulted in a rollover and downdraft situation. Despite the application of full engine power, the aircraft began to descend. It settled into the trees with little forward speed and the wings in a near level attitude.
Post-Crash Events
The aircraft was then consumed by fire. The pilot and two passengers were able to escape with minor scrapes and bruises. The pilot of the Cessna 185 witnessed the accident while airborne. He returned, landed, and rendered assistance to the three occupants.
Weather Context
It was reported that the aircraft had a headwind in proximity to the forest fire on takeoff, and that it flew into the area of a tailwind during initial climb.