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Cargo Aircraft Crashes Shortly after Takeoff from Yellowknife; Both Crew Members Killed (CF-EKJ)

Yellowknife, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On February 6, 1951, an Avro 652 Anson (registration CF-EKJ) operated by Yellowknife Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Yellowknife, Canada during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft failed to gain height due to a loss of lift, loss of aerodynamic performance, and a subsequent overload, resulting from the total weight being 1,400 pounds above MTOW and the crew's failure to deice the aircraft after six days parked on the ramp. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine cargo aircraft failed to gain height after takeoff from Yellowknife Airport, struck a building, and crashed. Both crew members were killed. The investigation found the aircraft was 1,400 pounds overweight and had not been deiced after six days on the ramp.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff from Yellowknife Airport, a twin-engine aircraft encountered serious difficulties in gaining altitude. The aircraft subsequently struck a building and crashed. Both crew members, who were performing an on-demand cargo flight, were killed in the accident.

Investigation Findings

Investigators determined that the total weight of the aircraft exceeded its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) by 1,400 pounds. Additionally, the aircraft had been parked on the ramp for six days prior to the accident. The crew failed to perform any deicing, defrosting, or contaminant removal before departure. No such procedures were carried out.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause states that in the conditions described, the aircraft failed to gain height due to a loss of lift, loss of aerodynamic performance, and a subsequent overload.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Feb 1951 Avro 652 Anson accident near Yellowknife, Canada?

A twin-engine cargo aircraft failed to gain height after takeoff from Yellowknife Airport, struck a building, and crashed. Both crew members were killed. The investigation found the aircraft was 1,400 pounds overweight and had not been deiced after six days on the ramp.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Feb 1951 Avro 652 Anson accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Feb 1951 involved an Avro 652 Anson, registration CF-EKJ, operated by Yellowknife Airways, at Yellowknife, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to gain height due to a loss of lift, loss of aerodynamic performance, and a subsequent overload, resulting from the total weight being 1,400 pounds above MTOW and the crew's failure to deice the aircraft after six days parked on the ramp.

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