1 fatality

Engine Failure After Takeoff Leads to Stall and Crash into Wabash Lake (N69301)

Seven Islands, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On September 12, 1974, a Cessna 402 (registration N69301) operated by Charles W. Cobler was involved in an aviation accident near Seven Islands, Canada during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure or malfunction of both engines after takeoff in icing conditions. A contributing factor was the failure to use anti-icing/deicing systems. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane stalled and crashed into Wabash Lake near Seven Islands Airport after the pilot encountered technical problems with both engines. One passenger was killed and three occupants were seriously injured. Investigation cited dual engine failure due to icing conditions and failure to use anti-icing systems.

Incident

The aircraft departed from Seven Islands Airport with a destination of Fort Chimo (Kuujjuaq). Shortly after liftoff, the pilot encountered technical problems affecting both engines. The airplane subsequently stalled and crashed into Wabash Lake, which is located near the departure airport. There were four occupants on board. One passenger suffered fatal injuries, while the other three occupants sustained serious injuries.

Investigation and Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. According to the findings, the probable cause was a failure or malfunction of both engines after takeoff, which occurred in icing conditions. A contributing factor reported was the failure to use anti-icing and deicing systems.