2 fatalities

Overloaded Aircraft with External Boat Crashes into Lake During Landing (CF-RZL)

Moshabong Lake, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 22, 1969, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration CF-RZL) operated by Private Canada was involved in an aviation accident near Moshabong Lake, Canada during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the takeoff was made with the aircraft slightly overloaded and with a non approved type wide transom aluminium boat strapped externally to the aircraft. On final to Moshabong Lake, control was lost due to strong gusty wind. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control of an airplane during final approach to Moshabong Lake, resulting in a stall and crash into the lake. Two passengers were killed; the pilot and another passenger were seriously injured. The aircraft was slightly overloaded and carried an unapproved external boat.

Accident Overview

While descending to Moshabong Lake and completing a last turn, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft stalled and crashed into the lake near the shore. Two passengers were killed in the accident; the pilot and a third passenger sustained serious injuries.

Aircraft and Load

The investigation determined that the takeoff was made with the aircraft slightly overloaded. Additionally, a non-approved type wide transom aluminium boat was strapped externally to the aircraft.

Loss of Control

On final approach to Moshabong Lake, control was lost due to strong gusty wind. The combination of the overloaded condition, external load, and wind resulted in a stall and subsequent crash.

Injuries and Damage

The crash resulted in fatal injuries to two passengers. The pilot and one other passenger were seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact with the lake.

Investigation Findings

The official probable cause of the accident was the aircraft being slightly overloaded and carrying a non-approved external boat during takeoff, and the loss of control on final approach due to strong gusty wind.