Beechcraft D18

Shortly after takeoff from Bastia-Poretta Airport Runway 16, while in initial climb, the pilot encountered an unexpected situation and apparently attempted an emergency landing when the twin engine aircraft crashed in a plantation located 1,5 km south of the airport. The airplane slid for few dozen metres before coming to rest, bursting into flames. All three occupants were rescued, one was uninjured while both others were seriously injured due to burns. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire.

The pilot of the multi-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, after the tailwheel had touched down, the airplane veered sharply to the left. The pilot further reported that the airplane was close to the left runway edge, so he allowed the airplane to continue off the runway, in effort not to overcorrect to the right. During the runway excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed in soft terrain. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot and his wife, a couple from Phoenix, were performing a flight from the Red Lake Seaplane base to a tourist Camp located north of Red Lake. The twin engine aircraft took off at 1727LT in marginal weather conditions consisting of wind and rain showers. Shortly after departure, the aircraft crashed into the Bruce Channel located between Cochenour and McKenzie Island. The aircraft sank and both occupants were killed.