Accident
On a visual flight rules flight from Bella Bella (Campbell Island) Airport Runway 13 to Port Hardy Airport, an aircraft carrying one pilot and four passengers experienced a dual engine failure shortly after takeoff. The pilot transmitted a Mayday call before the aircraft collided with terrain approximately 1.5 km southeast of the airfield. All five occupants were injured, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Investigation
The investigation identified fuel contamination as the cause of the dual engine failure. The operator stored a fuel drum upright, allowing water to likely enter via the vent or bung, contaminating the fuel. The operator was unaware of Transport Canada’s fuel drum storage guidelines. Physical defenses such as filters or water detection paste were not implemented because the operator did not consider hazards related to fueling from previously opened or contaminated drums. Communication of specific procedures for drum fueling was delayed due to ongoing changes. Training on drum fueling equipment and procedures was not provided because the task was perceived as simple and pilots were assumed to have prior experience. Fuel sampling was required only as part of the daily inspection, but the omission of fuel sampling had become normalized. Consequently, water contamination in the fuel system was not detected before departure.
Conclusion
The left and right engines lost power shortly after departure due to fuel contamination. The pilot performed a forced landing in a wooded area, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft and minor injuries to all five occupants.