What happened
A float-equipped DHC-3 (Otter) departed from a water base in Cochenour, Ontario, bound for Sandy Beach Lodge on Trout Lake. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and six passengers at the time of the incident. After reaching a cruising altitude of roughly 2,500 feet above sea level, the pilot observed a popping noise accompanied by a minor reduction in engine power and light-colored smoke entering the cabin. Although engine instruments appeared normal and no fire warnings were triggered, the pilot suspected a cylinder failure and initiated a return to the departure point.
During the return flight, flames were spotted near the floor of the cockpit by a passenger. The pilot notified the Thunder Bay Flight Service Station of the emergency and attempted to use a hand-held extinguisher to combat the fire. However, heavy black smoke soon filled the cabin, making visibility difficult and causing breathing difficulties for those on board. To improve visibility, the pilot opened the left crew door. The aircraft was brought down on McNeely Bay, which was the nearest available landing area. While the landing was heavy, the aircraft remained upright on its floats. The occupants evacuated through the main door wearing life jackets and were rescued by nearby vessels. The aircraft was destroyed by fire shortly after the landing.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced flames near the cockpit floor following a suspected cylinder failure.
- The presence of thick smoke caused respiratory distress for all seven occupants.
- The incident resulted in two injuries, specifically second-degree burns to the pilot and one passenger, while the other five passengers escaped without serious harm.