Air transportation safety investigation A25Q0051

Table of contents

    Loss of control at liftoff and overturn
    ETA Aviation et César Camp du Nord Inc.
    De Havilland DHC-2 MK. I (Beaver), C-FYNT
    Saint-Mathias Water Aerodrome (CSV9) (Quebec)

    The occurrence

    On 2 May 2025, a De Havilland DHC-2 MK. I (Beaver) aircraft on floats, operated by ETA Aviation et César Camp du Nord Inc., was conducting a local flight from the Richelieu River in front of the Saint-Mathias Water Aerodrome (Quebec), with two people on board.

    During the take-off roll, the pilot lost control of the aircraft during a roll before colliding with the river. The right wing detached on impact with the water, and the aircraft came to rest in an inverted position under the surface of the river. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) did not activate.

    The pilot was fatally injured, while the other passenger sustained minor injuries. The TSB is investigating.

    Media materials

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A25Q0051

    Loss of control at liftoff and overturn
    ETA Aviation et César Camp du Nord Inc.
    De Havilland DHC-2 MK. I (Beaver), C-FYNT
    Saint-Mathias Water Aerodrome (CSV9) (Quebec)

    Photos

    The De Havilland DHC-2 MK. I (Beaver) aircraft following its removal from the Richelieu River on 2 May 2025 (Source: TSB)

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.