What happened
A cargo-carrying aircraft departed from Gander, Newfoundland, at 13:17 local time, destined for Cartwright, Labrador. The flight was operated as a charter service and was carrying a crew of three along with various freight items. During the final approach to the area near Cartwright Harbor, specifically within Sandwich Bay, the aircraft was observed with its main landing gear deployed.
Upon making contact with the water's surface, the aircraft type experienced an abrupt deceleration. The impact caused the tail section to lift into a vertical orientation before the vessel eventually settled at an approximate 45-degree angle in the water. The accident resulted in three fatalities, as all crew members on board were killed during the event.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor in the accident was the failure to retract the main undercarriage prior to landing on the water.