Collision with a pleasure craft during takeoff
Harbour Air Limited
DHC-2 MK I Beaver, C-FFHA
Vancouver Harbour Water Aerodrome, British Columbia
The occurrence
On , a DHC-2 MK I Beaver operated by Harbour Air Limited was conducting a local sightseeing flight from Vancouver Harbour Water Aerodrome, British Columbia, with one pilot and five passengers on board.
During takeoff, the aircraft and a pleasure craft with one driver and seven passengers collided. The aircraft and pleasure craft were both substantially damaged, and the aircraft began to sink shortly after the collision. The pilot and aircraft passengers were able to exit the aircraft. The occupants of the aircraft and the pleasure craft were assisted to shore by first responders.
The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team following a floatplane accident in Vancouver's Coal Harbour, British Columbia
Richmond, British Columbia, 8 June 2024 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Coal Harbour in Vancouver, British Columbia, following a floatplane accident that occurred earlier today. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A24P0060
Collision with a pleasure craft during takeoff
Harbour Air Limited
DHC-2 MK I Beaver, C-FFHA
Vancouver Harbour Water Aerodrome, British Columbia
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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.