Accident at 19NM WNW Duncan

2021-09-27: Lake Cowichan Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported a privately registered, amateur-built Zenair CH601 on floats crashed near Lake Cowichan, BC. Officers on scene. The pilot was unhurt and rescued by a boater. No overdue flight plans or information to provide. No operational impact.

2022-02-10: UPDATE: TSB Report #A21P0095: A privately registered, amateur built, Zenair CH601 on floats was conducting a recreational flight from Quamichan Lake water aerodrome, BC (CML2) to Cowichan Lake (Honeymoon Bay), BC, with only the pilot on board. While landing in gusty wind conditions, the aircraft made hard contact with the left float and the surface. The right float then contacted the surface and control of the aircraft was lost. It pivoted to the right and came to an abrupt stop. The aircraft remained upright in the lake on its belly with both the left and right floats having separated from the fuselage. The pilot and local boaters attempted to tow the aircraft to shore but were unsuccessful. The aircraft remained afloat for approximately 10 minutes before sinking. The pilot received minor injuries during the egress. The aircrafts emergency locator transmitter did not activate. The recovery team deployed divers to the site but were unable to locate the fuselage. A sonar unit will be deployed to aid in the search.