On January 25, 1973, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CF-HQI) operated by Reindeer Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Sachs Harbour, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost directional control due to the slippery conditions of a snow-covered runway during landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft veered off the runway after landing on a snow-covered surface, resulting in significant damage to the plane but no injuries to the crew.
What happened
During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft encountered a runway covered in snow. As the plane touched down, it became difficult to maintain directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the paved surface. The sequence of events concluded when the plane came to a complete stop after exiting the runway.
While the impact and excursion resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair, there were no casualties reported. Both members of the flight crew managed to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.
Findings
The presence of snow on the runway surface contributed to the loss of control during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost directional control due to the slippery conditions of a snow-covered runway during landing.