Airwest Airlines

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

Twin Otter C-FAIV, operating as a scheduled VFR flight, departed Victoria Harbour at 1718LT with Vancouver Harbour water-aerodrome as destination. The estimated time en route was 20 minutes. The flight proceeded normally and reported by Active Pass at 2,000 feet. This altitude was maintained in order to cross the Vancouver Control Zone in accordance with standard procedure; once out of the control zone, a slow descent was begun towards Vancouver Harbour. Normal radio procedures were followed as the flight reported by standard visual reporting points. Just before joining final approach, the transmission, "AIV, Third Beach", was made and landing clearance was given to the flight by the Harbour Tower. The approach continued, and when the aircraft reached approximately 175 feet above the surface, nine ground witnesses heard a loud noise from the aircraft. Two surviving witnesses also heard a noise. Power was subsequently applied and C-FAIV yawed left, rolled in the same direction and plunged into the harbour in a left-wing and nose-down attitude, 2 500 feet from the intended landing area. An ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) tone was heard by the tower controller 54 seconds after the radio call at Third Beach. The controller called the aircraft several times but there was no response. The flight had been of 24 minutes duration. Both pilots and nine passengers were killed while two others were injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

While approaching Saturna Island, the crew encountered marginal weather and a limited visibility. Descending to a height of about 200-300 feet, the twin engine airplane struck tree tops with one of its float. Control was lost and the airplane crashed in flames in a wooded area located near Narvaez Bay. All 14 occupants were rescued while the aircraft was destroyed.

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

Lost a float and sank off False Bay harbor. There were no casualties.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

Approaching Victoria on a flight from Coal Harbour in Vancouver, the crew encountered limited visibility due to foggy conditions. The seaplane landed hard, causing both floats to be damaged. All 16 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft sank in the Juan de Fuca Strait, by a depth of 300 feet, about 4 miles south of Victoria Harbour.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

While cruising at an altitude of 4,200 feet over mountainous area, the crew elected to gain height but the decision was too late. The airplane struck tree tops and crashed in a wooded area located about 80 km northeast of Bella Coola. A passenger was killed while 18 other occupants were injured.

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

Upon landing on a swift river near Wenatchee, the float equipped aircraft crashed and partially sank. The pilot was rescued while the passenger drowned.