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6 fatalities

Twin Engine Aircraft Strikes Slope Near Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport After Takeoff (HB118)

Montreal-Saint-Hubert, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On November 23, 1951, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration HB118) operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF was involved in an aviation accident near Montreal-Saint-Hubert, Canada during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew did not realize the altitude was insufficient due to low visibility caused by mist and rain falls. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, a twin engine aircraft struck trees and crashed on the slope of Mt Saint-Bruno. Low visibility from mist and rain contributed to the crew's failure to maintain sufficient altitude. One passenger was injured and six occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

A twin engine aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport. The accident occurred during initial climb, when the aircraft struck tree tops and impacted the slope of Mt Saint-Bruno, located approximately 8 km northeast of the airport.

Sequence of Events

According to the investigation, the crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was insufficient during the climb. Low visibility, caused by mist and rain falls, obscured the terrain. The aircraft subsequently hit tree tops and came to rest on the slope of Mount Saint-Bruno.

Occupants and Crew

The aircraft was crewed by First Officer Vernon Clifford Murray and First Officer Frederick James Kane. Among the occupants, one passenger sustained injuries, while six other occupants were killed in the accident.

Probable cause

The crew did not realize the altitude was insufficient due to low visibility caused by mist and rain falls.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Nov 1951 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Montreal-Saint-Hubert, Canada?

Shortly after takeoff from Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, a twin engine aircraft struck trees and crashed on the slope of Mt Saint-Bruno. Low visibility from mist and rain contributed to the crew's failure to maintain sufficient altitude. One passenger was injured and six occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Nov 1951 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Nov 1951 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration HB118, operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF, at Montreal-Saint-Hubert, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew did not realize the altitude was insufficient due to low visibility caused by mist and rain falls.

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