The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 24 November 2023.
Loss of control and collision with water
True North Airways Inc.
de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, C-FDDX
Pluto Lake, Quebec
The occurrence
On , the True North Airways Inc. de Havilland DHC-3 Otter aircraft on floats (registration C-FDDX, serial number 165) was conducting a visual flight rules flight, with 1 pilot on board, from Mistissini Water Aerodrome (CSE6), Quebec, to Pluto Lake, Quebec, where it would deliver cargo and pick up passengers. At approximately 0929 Eastern Daylight Time, while manoeuvring for landing on Pluto Lake, the aircraft collided with the surface of the water. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The passengers, who had been waiting near the lake for the aircraft’s arrival, transported the pilot to a nearby cabin from where he was later taken to hospital by a search and rescue helicopter. The emergency locator transmitter activated. There was significant damage to the aircraft.
Media materials
News release
TSB releases investigation report into 2022 aircraft collision with water in Pluto Lake, Quebec
Read the news release
Investigation information
A22Q0122
Loss of control and collision with water
True North Airways Inc.
de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, C-FDDX
Pluto Lake, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Daphne Boothe has over 20 years of civil aviation experience. She joined the TSB in 2013 as an operations investigator in the Atlantic Region.
Before joining the TSB, Mrs. Boothe spent 10 years flying for 703/704 operators in Northwestern Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, flying scheduled and charter flights.
Mrs. Boothe holds an Airline Transport License with over 6000 hours of flying experience and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 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.