Air transportation safety investigation A23P0091
TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 22 July 2024.
Table of contents
Collision with terrain
Air Nootka Ltd.
De Havilland DHC-2 Mk. I (Beaver), C-FZVP
Gold River Water Aerodrome, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 28 July 2023, a float-equipped De Havilland DHC-2 Mk. I (Beaver) aircraft operated by Air Nootka Ltd. was conducting a flight from Louie Bay, on Nootka Island, British Columbia, to Gold River Water Aerodrome (CAU6), British Columbia, with one pilot on board. During approach near the CAU6 dock, the aircraft made an abrupt turn to the right, impacting trees and coming to rest approximately 50 m into the forest.
The aircraft was significantly damaged, and the pilot was seriously injured.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: Collision with terrain involving a float-equipped aircraft in Gold River, British Columbia
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB to deploy a team of investigators following an aircraft accident near Gold River Seaplane Base, British Columbia
Richmond, British Columbia, 31 July 2023 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will deploy a team of investigators to Gold River Seaplane Base, British Columbia following an aircraft accident involving a De Havilland Aircraft of Canada DHC-2 (Beaver), operated by Air Nootka Limited which occurred on 28 July 2023. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
Map showing the location of the occurrence
Investigator-in-charge
Todd Pezer joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada in 2023 as a Senior Regional Investigator – Operations (Air) and works for the Pacific Region in Vancouver, British Columbia.
He holds a current airline transport pilot’s license and has accumulated over 4000 hours of flight time with experience in training, cargo, airline, and executive aircraft such as the B1900, Lear 75, and Citation X. Prior to joining the TSB, Mr. Pezer gained extensive training experience, earning numerous International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) certifications and a master’s degree in learning and technology.
Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.