On June 23, 1947, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration G-CAOZ) operated by Ontario Provincial Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Kwagama Lake, Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled and crashed after encountering a downdraft during initial climb. 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.
A single-engine plane stalled and crashed into Kwagama Lake shortly after takeoff due to a downdraft. Both occupants were rescued before the aircraft sank.
What happened
The incident occurred shortly after the single-engine aircraft departed from Kwagama Lake. While in the initial climb phase, the airplane encountered an unexpected downdraft. This aerodynamic disturbance caused the aircraft to stall, resulting in a crash into the lake surface. Both occupants were successfully rescued while the wreckage was still floating. The aircraft subsequently sank and was declared lost.
Findings
The official investigation identified the primary contributing factor as the sudden loss of lift caused by the downdraft encountered during the early climb phase.
Probable cause
The aircraft stalled and crashed after encountering a downdraft during initial climb.
What happened in the 23 Jun 1947 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident near Kwagama Lake, Canada?
A single-engine plane stalled and crashed into Kwagama Lake shortly after takeoff due to a downdraft. Both occupants were rescued before the aircraft sank.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jun 1947 De Havilland DH.60 Moth accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jun 1947 involved a De Havilland DH.60 Moth, registration G-CAOZ, operated by Ontario Provincial Air Service, at Kwagama Lake, Canada.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft stalled and crashed after encountering a downdraft during initial climb.
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