The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (the “TSB”) recently completed its investigation into the crash of a DHC-2 Beaver aircraft that occurred on June 16, 2024. The aircraft, which is equipped with flotation pontoons, took off from the Chukuni River in Ontario with an intended destination of Thicket Lake. At the time of the crash the four passengers, all Indiana residents, were travelling to a camp site on Thicket Lake for a fishing trip, and the crash occurred immediately after takeoff. The passengers have all retained Speiser Krause to represent them in connection with this tragedy.
As expected, the TSB determined that the crash was caused by pilot error. At the time of takeoff, the aircraft exceeded the Maximum Takeoff Weight (“MTOW”) in violation of applicable operating procedures contained in the Aircraft’s Flight Manual. In addition, immediately after takeoff the pilot improperly and prematurely reduced engine power and retracted flaps in violation of applicable takeoff procedures. As a result, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall approximately 100 feet above the water causing it to crash into the river. Tragically, one passenger died as a result of the crash and the others sustained varying degrees of substantial personal injuries.
Speiser Krause has extensive experience in international aviation disasters and the Firm is presently pursuing all legal avenues to ensure that the passengers of this tragedy receive the compensation that they rightly deserve.