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2 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident involving Tanker 236 (C-GFQA)

Chute des Passes, CanadaFlight

On June 19, 1991, a Canadair CL-215 (registration C-GFQA) operated by Transport Canada was involved in an aviation accident near Chute des Passes, Canada in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck treetops while flying at a low altitude during a firefighting mission, leading to a roll and subsequent crash. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A firefighting mission ended in tragedy when a tanker aircraft struck treetops and crashed in a wooded area, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

During a low-altitude mission intended for firefighting operations, the aircraft identified as Quebec 236 encountered heavy vegetation. While operating at a low height, the Tanker 236 (an aircraft type of Tanker) made contact with the tops of trees. Following this impact, the aircraft underwent a right-hand roll before descending into a wooded region.

There were 2 fatalities resulting from the accident, as both the pilot and the copilot were killed in the crash. The incident occurred during the operational phase of the flight while the crew was actively engaged in firefighting duties.

Findings

  • The aircraft struck tree tops during low-altitude flight.
  • The impact caused the aircraft to roll to the right.
  • The crash occurred within a wooded area during a firefighting mission.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck treetops while flying at a low altitude during a firefighting mission, leading to a roll and subsequent crash.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jun 1991 Canadair CL-215 accident near Chute des Passes, Canada?

A firefighting mission ended in tragedy when a tanker aircraft struck treetops and crashed in a wooded area, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jun 1991 Canadair CL-215 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jun 1991 involved a Canadair CL-215, registration C-GFQA, operated by Transport Canada, at Chute des Passes, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck treetops while flying at a low altitude during a firefighting mission, leading to a roll and subsequent crash.

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