No fatalities

1959-07-02: Canadian Vickers PBV-1 Canso (OA-10 Canso) (CF-IHB) — Austin Airways — Puvirnituq, Canada

Puvirnituq, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On July 2, 1959, a Canadian Vickers PBV-1 Canso (OA-10 Canso) (registration CF-IHB) operated by Austin Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Puvirnituq, Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of power on the left engine shortly after takeoff due to the presence of water in the fuel supply system. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781247337Data APIEditorial standards

A seaplane departing from Puvirnituq harbor in fog experienced a left engine failure during climb, lost altitude, and crashed into the bay. All 12 occupants were rescued; the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident

A seaplane conducting a departure from Puvirnituq harbor encountered foggy conditions. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing, the pilot-in-command initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the left engine lost power. The seaplane subsequently lost height and impacted the bay waters a few dozen yards from shore. All 12 occupants on board were successfully rescued, but the aircraft was lost.

Investigation Findings

Official investigation into the accident determined the probable cause to be a loss of power on the left engine. This loss of power was attributed to the presence of water in the fuel supply system, which compromised engine operation shortly after takeoff.