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7 fatalities

Seven-person crash in Serpentine River near New Brunswick (1425)

Serpentine River, CanadaFlight

On April 21, 1949, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration 1425) operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF was involved in an aviation accident near Serpentine River, Canada in flight. 7 people were killed. 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 2026-08-24Data APIEditorial standards

A seven-occupant aircraft crashed into the Serpentine River northwest of New Brunswick while en route from Ottawa to Presque Isle, Maine, resulting in the deaths of all persons on board.

What happened

The incident occurred during a flight traveling from Ottawa to Presque Isle, Maine. The aircraft impacted the Serpentine River, located northwest of New Brunswick. There were no survivors; all seven occupants perished in the accident. The crew consisted of three military officers: Wing Commander Beverly Beck, Squadron Leader Frederick William Darnell, and Wing Commander John Harry Drury.

Findings

The specific circumstances leading to the crash remain unknown based on the available records. No further details regarding mechanical failure, weather conditions, or pilot error have been documented in this source material.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Apr 1949 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Serpentine River, Canada?

A seven-occupant aircraft crashed into the Serpentine River northwest of New Brunswick while en route from Ottawa to Presque Isle, Maine, resulting in the deaths of all persons on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Apr 1949 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Apr 1949 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration 1425, operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF, at Serpentine River, Canada.

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