What happened
On a recent flight departing from Mayo, Yukon, a de Havilland DHC-3T Turbo Otter, registered as C-GZCW, was prepared for departure carrying a payload of lumber. The aircraft was positioned at the start of Runway 06 for its takeoff sequence. At approximately 17:55 Pacific daylight time, the pilot initiated the takeoff roll.
As the aircraft reached the point of lift-off, it experienced a sudden and severe change in pitch, entering an extreme nose-up attitude. This maneuver was accompanied by a significant rightward rotation. During this uncontrolled flight path, the aircraft impacted the airport ramp area. The accident resulted in one fatality, involving the pilot who was the only person on board. Following the impact, a small fire broke out, but emergency responders were able to suppress the flames quickly.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced an uncontrolled pitch-up and directional deviation immediately upon leaving the ground.