What happened
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed Botwood Bay, located approximately 60 km northwest of Gander. While in the climb phase following takeoff, the seaplane lost altitude and impacted the sea surface a few hundred meters offshore. The impact resulted in the destruction of the airframe. There were thirty-seven people on board at the time of the accident. Eleven occupants lost their lives, including five members of the flight crew. An additional twenty-six individuals sustained injuries.
Findings
Investigations determined that the copilot was acting as pilot-in-command during the event. The primary mechanical failure involved the trailing edge flaps, which were positioned at 35 degrees, a configuration unsuitable for the climbing procedure. This incorrect position led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to lose lift and descend into the water.
Key contributing factors identified by the inquiry include:
- The crew failed to conduct a complete preflight briefing.
- The copilot lacked sufficient familiarity with the specific type of aircraft involved.
- A safety system designed to limit flap deployment for climbing was disconnected during a prior flight for unknown reasons.
- The warning alarm associated with this safety system was switched off, preventing any alert from sounding when the flaps were in the unsafe position.