Aerial photos illustrating the occurrence aircraft’s estimated flight path (Source of main image and inset image: TSB)

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada on April 26 released its investigation report (A21Q0083) into the fatal loss of control and collision with terrain of a Piper J3C-65 floatplane that occurred on September 12, 2021 in La Tuque, Quebec.

At approximately 9:45 am on the morning of September 12, Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) explains a Piper J3C-65 floatplane (registration CF-SVT, serial number 14676) took off from the Batiscan River near La Seigneurie du Triton outfitter, 25 nautical miles (NM) east-northeast of La Tuque Aerodrome (CYLQ), Quebec, for a visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Saint-Étienne-des-Grès/Hydravion Adventure Water Aerodrome (CHA2), Quebec.

On board were the pilot, who was sitting in the rear seat, and a passenger, who was sitting in the front seat. The pilot received serious injuries, and the passenger received fatal injuries.

TSB explains the plan was for the pilot to fly over the outfitter’s cottages after takeoff so that the passenger could take photos.

Shortly after takeoff, in ground effect near water, TSB explains the pilot lost control of the floatplane during a left turn at a 45 degree angle. The floatplane entered an aerodynamic stall, leading to an incipient spin. The floatplane struck trees, explains TSB, then terrain in a vertical attitude.

See the investigation page for more information.