On December 16, 1976, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration C-FAJB) operated by Airwest Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Victoria, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft sustained structural damage to its floats during a hard landing performed in foggy conditions with low visibility. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A seaplane traveling from Vancouver to Victoria sank in the Juan de Fuca Strait after a heavy landing caused structural damage to its floats.
What happened
During a flight originating from Coal Harbour in Vancouver, a seaplane was performing an approach toward Victoria when the crew encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by fog. Upon attempting to land, the aircraft struck the water with enough force to compromise the structural integrity of both floats.
Following the impact, the vessel began to submerge in the Juan de Fuca Strait, approximately 4 miles south of Victoria Harbour. The aircraft eventually settled on the seabed at a depth of roughly 300 feet. Despite the severity of the impact and the subsequent sinking, all 16 occupants were successfully evacuated from the aircraft without injury.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the incident was limited visibility due to fog during the approach phase.
The force of the landing resulted in the simultaneous failure of both floats.
Probable cause
The aircraft sustained structural damage to its floats during a hard landing performed in foggy conditions with low visibility.