Fatal Piper J3C-65 crash on frozen lake in Ontario

Casualties unknown • CA

A private Piper J3 and one passenger were killed when their ski-equipped aircraft struck a frozen lake during a low-pass maneuver near Snowshoe Lake, Ontario.

What happened

On 30 March 2019, a Piper J3C-65 equipped with skis was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight between Minaki, Ontario, and Snowshoe Lake, Ontario. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and one passenger. As the pilot attempted a low-pass maneuver before landing, the aircraft went out of control and struck the frozen surface of the lake. The impact resulted in two fatalities.

The investigation

The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the accident. The scope of the inquiry focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control during the approach to the frozen lake.

Probable cause

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during a low-pass maneuver prior to landing, leading to a collision with the frozen lake surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-03-30 Snowshoe Lake, Ontario accident near CA?

A private Piper J3 and one passenger were killed when their ski-equipped aircraft struck a frozen lake during a low-pass maneuver near Snowshoe Lake, Ontario.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-03-30 involved a Snowshoe Lake, Ontario, operated by Piper J3C-65, C-FLDQ (privately registered), at CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during a low-pass maneuver prior to landing, leading to a collision with the frozen lake surface.

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