Accident
At 1755 Pacific daylight time, a de Havilland DHC-3T Turbo Otter (registration C-GZCW, serial number 447) began its takeoff roll from Runway 06 at Mayo, Yukon. The aircraft, operated by Black Sheep Aviation and Cattle Company, had been loaded with a cargo of lumber. During the takeoff, at lift-off, the aircraft entered an extreme nose-up attitude and began to rotate to the right. It subsequently struck the airport ramp. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was fatally injured. A small post-impact fire was extinguished by first responders.
Aircraft Information
The de Havilland DHC-3T Turbo Otter is a turboprop conversion of the de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter. The accident aircraft carried registration C-GZCW and manufacturer serial number 447. It was owned and operated by Black Sheep Aviation and Cattle Company, based in the Yukon.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined two causes and contributing factors for the accident. First, the aircraft was loaded in a manner that resulted in its center of gravity being aft of the rearward limit. Second, the cargo was not properly secured and shifted towards the rear of the aircraft during the takeoff, moving the center of gravity further aft. This caused the aircraft to pitch up and stall.