Incident Overview
An aircraft departed from Cowan Lake, Saskatchewan, carrying six passengers. During the take-off roll, as the aircraft was about to become airborne, the port ski became detached from the undercarriage leg. The ski remained attached to the aircraft only by the rear cheek cable. The pilot immediately reduced power and executed a landing on the starboard ski.
Sequence of Events
After touching down, the aircraft continued for approximately 200 to 300 feet on the starboard ski. It then settled onto the port side and subsequently turned over onto its back. All seven occupants—the pilot and six passengers—escaped the overturned aircraft with minor injuries. The aircraft was completely consumed by fire following the accident.
Investigation and Probable Cause
An investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The official finding states: "The probable cause of this accident was a forced landing on the starboard ski due to failure of the port oleo leg during take-off."