No fatalities

Night aircraft crash near Pelly Bay Airport (N9995F)

Pelly Bay, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 18, 1956, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration N9995F) operated by Flying Tiger Line was involved in an aviation accident near Pelly Bay, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft's left wing impacted the ground during a night VFR approach to the airport. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A light aircraft crashed during a night visual flight rules approach to Pelly Bay Airport in the Northwest Territories, resulting in injuries to all three people on board.

What happened

During a night-time flight under visual flight rules (VFR), an aircraft was attempting an approach to the Pelly Bay Airport in the Northwest Territories. While performing this maneuver, the left wing of the plane made contact with the terrain. The impact occurred in a rocky region situated a short distance before reaching the runway.

The collision caused the total destruction of the aircraft. There were three people on board at the time of the accident, and all three occupants sustained injuries during the crash. Following the event, emergency services managed to evacuate the injured individuals from the site.

Findings

  • The incident occurred during the approach phase of flight.
  • The primary factor in the crash was the left wing striking the ground during the night approach.

Probable cause

The aircraft's left wing impacted the ground during a night VFR approach to the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Mar 1956 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Pelly Bay, Canada?

A light aircraft crashed during a night visual flight rules approach to Pelly Bay Airport in the Northwest Territories, resulting in injuries to all three people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Mar 1956 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Mar 1956 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration N9995F, operated by Flying Tiger Line, at Pelly Bay, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's left wing impacted the ground during a night VFR approach to the airport.