No fatalities

Aircraft crash near RCAF Suffield during approach (XP805)

Suffield, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 7, 1979, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration XP805) operated by British Army Air Corps was involved in an aviation accident near Suffield, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees during a right turn initiated while navigating through turbulent conditions during approach. 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 small aircraft crashed into trees while attempting a turn during an approach to RCAF Suffield, resulting in no fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to the RCAF Suffield airfield, the aircraft encountered turbulent weather conditions. While navigating through this turbulence, the pilot attempted to execute a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the right wing of the aircraft made contact with trees located near the flight path.

This impact caused the aircraft to crash, resulting in the airframe being damaged beyond repair. Despite the severity of the impact, all four occupants on board were successfully rescued from the wreckage without any reported fatalities or injuries.

Findings

  • The incident occurred during the approach phase of flight.
  • Turbulence was present in the vicinity of the airfield at the time of the accident.
  • The collision with vegetation was triggered by a turning maneuver performed while encountering unstable air.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during a right turn initiated while navigating through turbulent conditions during approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jun 1979 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Suffield, Canada?

A small aircraft crashed into trees while attempting a turn during an approach to RCAF Suffield, resulting in no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jun 1979 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jun 1979 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration XP805, operated by British Army Air Corps, at Suffield, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees during a right turn initiated while navigating through turbulent conditions during approach.