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In-flight cabin fire leads to aircraft loss near Port Hardy (CF-BQH)

Port Hardy, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 29, 1961, a Beechcraft 18 (registration CF-BQH) operated by Pacific Western Airlines - PWA was involved in an aviation accident near Port Hardy, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fire developed within the cabin during the descent, leading to the destruction of the aircraft upon landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a cabin fire during its descent into Port Hardy, resulting in the total destruction of the plane but no injuries.

What happened

During an approach to Port Hardy, the crew encountered a sudden fire within the passenger cabin. In response to the emergency, the pilot initiated an unplanned landing procedure to reach the ground safely.

Although the aircraft was successfully brought down without causing any 0 injuries to those on board, the intense flames caused the total loss of the airframe. The incident concluded with the complete destruction of the aircraft following the fire.

Findings

  • A fire originated inside the cabin during the descent phase of the flight.
  • The pilot successfully executed an emergency landing attempt.
  • The primary factor in the loss of the aircraft was the post-landing fire that consumed the vehicle.

Probable cause

A fire developed within the cabin during the descent, leading to the destruction of the aircraft upon landing.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sept 1961 Beechcraft 18 accident near Port Hardy, Canada?

An aircraft experienced a cabin fire during its descent into Port Hardy, resulting in the total destruction of the plane but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Sept 1961 Beechcraft 18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sept 1961 involved a Beechcraft 18, registration CF-BQH, operated by Pacific Western Airlines - PWA, at Port Hardy, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A fire developed within the cabin during the descent, leading to the destruction of the aircraft upon landing.

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