What happened
On a scheduled flight from Vancouver Harbour water aerodrome to Victoria Harbour water aerodrom, a de Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter, operated by West Coast Air Ltd., experienced a significant mechanical failure during the initial climb. The flight, identified as Coast 608, departed at approximately 1510 Pacific standard time carrying 15 passengers and two crew members.
Shortly after the aircraft left the water, the crew reported a loud bang and a sound resembling gravel striking the airframe. This was accompanied by visible flames emerging from the forward portion of the right-hand engine. The No. 2 engine subsequently suffered a total loss of power. At the time of the failure, the aircraft was flying at an altitude estimated between 50 and 100 feet.
Approximately 25 seconds after the engine failure, the aircraft impacted the water in a nose-down position with the right wing tilted low. The force of the impact caused the right-hand wing and the right float to separate from the fuselage. Despite the impact, the aircraft stayed upright and partially submerged, allowing the 17 occupants to evacuate through the main door and the two pilot doors. The passengers and crew gathered on the fuselage and the left wing.
Emergency response arrived quickly, including a public transit SeaBus that deployed an inflatable raft to assist the occupants. All individuals were transported to a hospital for medical observation, and no serious injuries were reported. The aircraft eventually sank, though all wreckage was retrieved within five days.
Findings
- The loss of propulsion was caused by a flame and mechanical failure in the No. 2 engine.