Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 8 May 1991
Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
Owner/operator: Harbour Air
Registration Number: C-FQRI
Location: Cameron Lake, BC –
ÿ Canada
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Substantial, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 11
Component Affected: Aircraft wingsAircraft wings
Category: Accident
A pilot attempted a westward flight using VFR routes but encountered low ceilings, necessitating a turn south. A steep left turn resulted in aircraft settling into trees, causing wing separation and subsequent injuries. The pilot reported subsiding air during the turn.A pilot attempted a westward flight using VFR routes but encountered low ceilings, necessitating a turn south. A steep left turn resulted in aircraft settling into trees, causing wing separation and subsequent injuries. The pilot reported subsiding air during the turn.
Description
The pilot made several attempts to proceed west via preferred VFR routes, however, low ceilings prevented him from doing so. He continued south between two mountains, however, due to the wind conditions and terrain proximity he decided to turn around. He entered a steep downwind left turn, but the aircraft settled into the trees. The wings separated on contact with trees. The pilot reported that subsiding air was encountered during the turn. The pilot and six passengers sustained minor injuries, the remaining four passengers suffers serious injuries.
Primary Cause
Low ceilings and terrain proximity prevented westward flight.Low ceilings and terrain proximity prevented westward flight.Share on:
