On July 3, 2004, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration C-FOBE) operated by Green Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Birch Lake, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A crack in the second compartment of the right float caused it to rupture and lose buoyancy upon landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft sustained significant damage after its right float ruptured during a landing on Birch Lake, resulting in the vessel sinking.
What happened
During an arrival on Birch Lake, an aircraft experienced a structural failure involving its landing gear. Specifically, the second compartment of the right float ruptured upon impact with the water. This breach caused the aircraft to lose buoyancy, leading it to nose downward and eventually submerge.
Despite the sinking of the aircraft type, all five occupants managed to exit the cabin safely. The crew and passengers were able to swim from the sinking vessel to the nearby shoreline without reported injuries. Following the incident, the aircraft was declared a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the failure of the right float during the landing phase. It was concluded that the compartment was likely leaking due to a crack located within the second compartment of the float structure.
Probable cause
A crack in the second compartment of the right float caused it to rupture and lose buoyancy upon landing.