Superior Airways

Cessna 208 Caravan I

A float-equipped Cessna 208 operated by Superior Airways was conducting a VFR flight from Hansen Lake, ON, to Red Lake (Howey Bay) Water Aerodrome (CKS4), ON. Normal flight control feedback required for the initial takeoff run was observed. When the airplane became airborne, the pilot continued to apply aft input and limited elevator travel was experienced; inhibiting the desired pitch attitude for climb. The pilot made an immediate left turn into the wind for a landing. With limited elevator control input for the flare phase, the plane contacted the water at a harder than normal rate resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The were no injuries. The operator's maintenance noted the right elevator was deformed, and a brief test found flight control pitch input to be obstructed consistent with a visual observation of limited elevator travel. It was reported that the damage to the elevator was consistent with a collision with an object prior to the takeoff run. A flight control check was performed during the first flight of the day by the pilot but not on subsequent flights. The operator now requires their checklist items to be read and do action, including a flight control check prior to all takeoffs.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

The undercarriage was torn off during the aborted takeoff when a groundloop was attempted to avoid an area of weak ice.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

En route, an excessive accumulation of ice on the windscreen forced the crew to remove it with a scraper. Doing so, the airplane's speed dropped. The captain elected to regain control but the corrections were inadapted, causing the aircraft to stall and crash. All three occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Noorduyn Norseman

On final approach to a lake located in the region of Sioux Lookout, the pilot encountered strong winds and snow falls. On the last segment, the aircraft was caught by strong winds, causing the left wing tip to struck the water surface. The pilot increased engine power in an attempt to go around but the airplane plunged into water nose first and came to rest. The pilot and a passenger were injured while two other passengers were killed.