On January 13, 1968, a Beechcraft D18 (registration CF-SMU) operated by Hooker Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Saint-Joseph, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot continued VFR into unfavorable weather. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft struck a lake surface while the pilot attempted to regain visual contact in fog. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three occupants were injured. The official probable cause is continued VFR flight into unfavorable weather.
Accident Summary
An aircraft crashed when it struck a lake's surface during an attempt by the pilot to regain visual contact while flying in fog. The impact destroyed the aircraft.
Occupants and Injuries
The three occupants on board sustained injuries. The pilot was identified as Noel Love, and the passengers were Dave Hooker and Dr. J. A. Dowd.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the investigation, was that the pilot continued visual flight rules (VFR) operations into unfavorable weather conditions. The following contributing factors were reported: an incorrect weather forecast, improper in-flight planning, the pilot exceeding his ability and experience, and operating carelessly and recklessly.