Hansen Lake, ON → Red Lake (Howey Bay) Water Aerodrome (CKS4), ON

On August 15, 2025 at 12:00 AM, Hansen Lake, ON → Red Lake (Howey Bay) Water Aerodrome (CKS4), ON experienced a crash involving Cessna 208 Caravan I, operated by Superior Airways, with the event recorded near Hansen Lake, ON -.

The flight was categorized as passenger - non-scheduled/charter/air taxi and the reported phase was take off at a substantial crash site.

0 fatalities were recorded, 4 survivors were identified or estimated.

other fatalities: 0.

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.

Aircraft reference details include registration C-GTBY, MSN 20800261, year of manufacture 1997.