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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.