2 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident near Little Grand Rapids (C-GVBS)

Little Grand Rapids, CanadaFlight

On January 16, 1986, a Cessna 402 (registration C-GVBS) operated by Islandair was involved in an aviation accident near Little Grand Rapids, Canada in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees, leading to a loss of altitude and a subsequent crash into an icy lake. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

An aircraft crashed into a frozen lake near Little Grand Rapids after colliding with trees, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

During a flight near the community of Little Grand Rapids, an aircraft struck several trees, which caused a significant loss of altitude. Following the collision with the vegetation, the plane descended into an icy lake. The impact occurred during the flight phase involving low-altitude maneuvering or descent.

Findings

There were two fatalities recorded as a result of the accident, involving both occupants on board. The primary factor in the crash was the impact with trees, which led to the loss of altitude necessary to maintain flight and ultimately caused the aircraft to strike the frozen surface of the lake.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees, leading to a loss of altitude and a subsequent crash into an icy lake.