Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 26 September 2001
Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
Owner/operator: Air Saguenay
Registration Number: C-FDAK
Location: Riviere Chateaugua, 170 nm N of Schefferville, QC –
ÿ Canada
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Substantial, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 7
Component Affected: Pratt & Whitney R-1340 enginePratt & Whitney R-1340 engine
Category: Accident
A float-equipped Air Saguenay Otter C-FDAK experienced a sudden engine vibration and backfire during a cruise flight at low altitude. The pilot initiated a controlled landing on a small lake, resulting in engine and float separation and a minor injury to one occupant.A float-equipped Air Saguenay Otter C-FDAK experienced a sudden engine vibration and backfire during a cruise flight at low altitude. The pilot initiated a controlled landing on a small lake, resulting in engine and float separation and a minor injury to one occupant.
Description
The float-equipped Air Saguenay Otter C-FDAK was in cruise flight at 400 feet agl due to a low ceiling. The aircraft’s Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine suddenly vibrated violently. Every time the pilot applied throttle, backfires occurred. The pilot set the aircraft down on a small lake a half-mile long. The landing run finished at the end of the lake. On impact, the engine and floats were ripped off and one float strut penetrated the cabin at the right front seat, causing minor injuries to one occupant
Primary Cause
Sudden engine vibration and backfire during flight.Sudden engine vibration and backfire during flight.Share on:
