Aircraft crash near Saturna Island

No fatalities • Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island), Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine floatplane crashed in a wooded area near Narvaez Bay following an encounter with low visibility and trees during its approach.

What happened

During an approach toward Saturna Island, the crew of a twin engine airplane encountered challenging weather conditions characterized by limited visibility. As the aircraft descended to an altitude between 200 and 300 feet, one of its floats made contact with the tops of trees.

This impact resulted in a loss of control, causing the aircraft to crash into a forested region situated close to Narvaez Bay. The collision triggered a fire that destroyed the airframe. Despite the intensity of the crash and the subsequent flames, all 14 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during its descent due to controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1977-12-01 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island), Canada?

A twin-engine floatplane crashed in a wooded area near Narvaez Bay following an encounter with low visibility and trees during its approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1977-12-01 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1977-12-01 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration C-GPBO, operated by Airwest Airlines, at Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island), Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees during its descent due to controlled flight into terrain.

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