What happened
During an ascent from Cowan Lake, Saskatchewan, an aircraft carrying six passengers experienced a mechanical failure as it was preparing to become airborne. The pilot observed the port ski detaching from its undercarriage leg, leaving it connected only by the rear cheek cable. In response to the structural instability, the pilot reduced engine power and performed an immediate landing using only the starboard ski.
After traveling approximately 200 to 300 feet following the initial touchdown, the aircraft tipped onto its port side and overturned onto its back. While the pilot and all six passengers managed to exit the wreckage, they sustained minor injuries. Following the rollover, the aircraft was entirely destroyed by fire.
Findings
Investigations into the incident determined that the primary factor was a failure of the port oleo leg during the takeoff sequence, which necessitated the emergency landing on a single ski.