(Gatineau, Quebec, June 1, 2005) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) releases its final report (A04H0002) today into a fatal accident of a de Havilland Beaver seaplane in the Ottawa River near Gatineau's Masson-Angers sector, Quebec, on June 14, 2004. The TSB performed a thorough investigation, including numerous tests on aircraft components and extensive document research. While the cause of the accident could not be determined, the investigation uncovered several risks associated with this accident. The investigation found that required inspections of aircraft components pursuant to six airworthiness directives were not completed. As a result, the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was not in force. However, following an examination of the aircraft components affected by these directives, mechanical failure was ruled out on these parts. Critical components of the flight controls were also tested during the course of the TSB's investigation. The aircraft's left elevator was not found at the accident site but a fragment of its attachment flange revealed some damage.The damage was likely due to impact, but the absence of impact markings on the surrounding structure makes it impossible to conclude whether the left elevator was in place at the time of the accident. In addition, the pilot had not had a training flight with an instructor for more than a year and a half. While his peers considered him a conscientious pilot and his decision to fly alone was within prescribed regulations, his last flight before the accident had been seven months earlier. The TSB report concludes that these factors could have affected his skills and his decision-making abilities. The pilot and sole occupant of the de Havilland Beaver seaplane was on his first flight of the season. The aircraft took off at approximately 1 p.m. local time and made several upwind touch-and-go landings. At approximately 1:40 p.m., the aircraft was seen on a downwind descent above the surface of the water. The right float struck the water, and the aircraft tumbled several times, breaking up on impact. Riverside residents attempted a rescue, but the aircraft sank before they could reach the site. The pilot sustained head injuries on impact and drowned. The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability. - 30 - For further information on this report: John Cottreau Senior Media Relations Advisor (819) 994-8053
