Single-Engine Aircraft Sinks After Water Impact Near Elk Bay (CF-CRS)

Incident Overview During an en route flight, the pilot encountered very poor visibility caused by smoke from a forest fire. As the aircraft approached Elk Bay, the pilot decided to reduce altitude and attempted to land. The single-engine airplane then struck the water surface, cartwheeled, and sank. All eight occupants were able to reach the shore and were described as unarmed. The aircraft was lost in the incident. No specific aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or cause is provided in the source material. ## Operational Context The source states that the pilot made the decision to reduce altitude and attempt a landing while approaching Elk Bay. The poor visibility was attributed to smoke from a forest fire. The aircraft impacted the water surface, cartwheeled, and sank. All eight occupants reached the shore and were unarmed. The aircraft was lost.