Investigation finds boat wake contributed to floatplane crash in Tofino, B.C.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has completed its investigation into a floatplane crash that seriously injured one passenger in Tofino, B.C., last year.
The crash occurred on July 26, 2021, when an Atleo River Air Services Ltd. seaplane was taking off from Tofino to its destination of Hot Springs Cove, B.C.
One pilot and four passengers were on board when the aircraft lost control and "cartwheeled," landing upside down in shallow water beside a sandbar.
(Lacey Adams)
At the time, CTV News was told that everyone on board escaped the crash with only minor injuries and that they were able to walk out of the plane on their own.
However, the TSB's report released Thursday says one passenger received serious injuries in the crash.
SLOW TAKEOFF
The TSB says a wake generated by a passing boat contributed to the crash.
When the plane was accelerating for takeoff, it encountered the wake, which slowed its acceleration.
In an effort to increase acceleration, the pilot turned to the right away from the wake to gain additional runway before takeoff.
As the plane was turning right, however, the aircraft lifted from the water – either because of control input or because the plane encountered a second wake which sent it airborne, according to the TSB.
"As the aircraft became airborne at a low airspeed and in a right turn, the left wing stalled aerodynamically at too low an altitude for control to be regained before the wing contacted the water," reads the report.
BEST PRACTICES
The Transportation Safety Board also identified other practices that may have increased flight risks.
The TSB says pilots should be careful when estimating passenger weights, since underestimating the weight – including clothing and carryon luggage – can affect flight safety.
The plane had also undergone six previous modifications that affected the original aircraft's stall speeds.
The TSB says all pilots should be aware of what modifications are made to a plane, since "there is a risk that the aircraft will have unexpected flight characteristics, increasing the possibility for loss of control."
Moving forward, Atleo River Air Service Ltd has increased the time in between flights by another 15 minutes to help give pilots more time to finish their pre-flight duties, according to the TSB.
No other safety actions were listed in the TSB report.
The Transportation Safety Board is an independent organization that investigates air, marine, rail and pipeline incidents in Canada.
The TSB is only responsible for reviewing and improving transportation safety and is not tasked with assigning fault or determining liability.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.