Air transportation safety investigation A25Q0051

TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 13 January 2026.

Table of contents

    Loss of control and overturn on takeoff
    ETA Aviation & César Camp du Nord Inc.
    De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited DHC-2 Mk. I (Beaver), C-FYNT
    St-Mathias Water Aerodrome (CSV9), Quebec

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 02 May 2025, a float-equipped De Havilland DHC-2 Mk. I (Beaver) aircraft, operated by ETA Aviation & César Camp du Nord Inc., was conducting a local flight from the Saint-Mathias Water Aerodrome, Quebec, on the Richelieu River, with two people on board. During the take-off run, there was a loss of control in roll. The right wing struck the surface of the water and became detached from the aircraft, which overturned underwater. One of the two occupants died, and the other sustained minor injuries. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) did not activate.

    Media materials

    News release

    Investigation report: Accident on takeoff at St-Mathias Water Aerodrome (Quebec)

    Deployment notice

    TSB deploys a team of investigators following an aircraft accident in Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Quebec

    Investigation information

    Photos

    The De Havilland DHC-2 MK. I (Beaver) aircraft following its removal from the Richelieu River on 2 May 2025 (Source: TSB) Right front door of the occurrence aircraft (Source: TSB) The occurrence aircraft on the bank of the Richelieu River after it was towed to shore. The floats were removed in order to tow the aircraft. (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.