What happened
On a landing attempt at the CEN9 float-plane base in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, a de Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter, registered as C-GARW, experienced a difficult touchdown on the western shore of Great Slave Lake. During the landing phase, the aircraft bounced and porpoised, resulting in a heavy impact on the right float.
In response to the hard landing, the flight crew attempted a go-around. However, the aircraft departed the water at a low speed while maintaining a nose-high and right-wing-low attitude. This flight path caused the aircraft to bank into a right turn toward the shoreline. During this maneuver, the right wing struck various power lines and cables. The aircraft subsequently struck the side of an office building with its floats before falling onto its nose and cart-wheeling into a nearby parking area.
There were nine people on board the aircraft, including two crew members and seven passengers. The accident resulted in two fatalities among the crew. Additionally, the incident left four passengers with serious injuries and three passengers with minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though no fire was reported following the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft's flight path during the go-around involved a significant right-wing-low attitude.
- Contact with power lines and cables preceded the impact with the office building.