Aircraft crash on lake surface during low visibility

No fatalities • Lake Saint-Joseph, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a lake while the pilot attempted to navigate through fog, resulting in injuries to all three people on board.

What happened

During an attempt to re-establish visual contact with the terrain amidst heavy fog, the aircraft struck the surface of a lake. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were three individuals on board at the time of the accident, and all three occupants sustained injuries during the crash.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the accident was that the pilot continued to operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite encountering unfavorable weather conditions. Several contributing factors were identified in the report:

  • The weather forecast used for the flight was inaccurate
  • There was a failure in proper in-flight planning
  • The flight operations exceeded the pilot's ability and experience
  • The pilot operated the aircraft in a careless and reckless manner

Probable cause

The pilot continued flying under visual flight rules into weather conditions that were unsuitable for safe operation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1968-01-13 Beechcraft D18 accident near Lake Saint-Joseph, Canada?

An aircraft crashed into a lake while the pilot attempted to navigate through fog, resulting in injuries to all three people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1968-01-13 Beechcraft D18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1968-01-13 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration CF-SMU, operated by Hooker Air Service, at Lake Saint-Joseph, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot continued flying under visual flight rules into weather conditions that were unsuitable for safe operation.

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