Disappearance of Beaver aircraft during mail flight near Port Hardy

1 fatality • Bull Harbour, Canada • Flight

A de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver disappeared while performing a mail delivery service in British Columbia, leaving no trace of the aircraft or pilot.

What happened

On the morning of an unspecified date in 1970, a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver departed from Port Hardy at 09:25 local time. The aircraft was operating as a mail carrier, tasked with delivering supplies to Millbrook Cove and several other isolated locations. Following the departure, the flight failed to reach its intended destination.

In response to the disappearance, search and rescue teams initiated operations to locate the missing plane and its occupant. Despite these efforts, the search was officially terminated several days later because no wreckage or evidence of the single fatality could be located. A significant discovery occurred on 16 June 1970, when a partially charred fuel gauge was recovered near Bull Harbour. Investigators determined that this component likely originated from the missing aircraft.

Findings

While the exact circumstances of the crash remain undetermined due to the lack of wreckage, the recovery of debris near Bull Harbour suggests the aircraft may have been in that vicinity. The absence of any traceable wreckage or remains prevented a definitive reconstruction of the accident.

Probable cause

The cause of the disappearance remains unknown because no significant portion of the aircraft was recovered.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-06-06 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near Bull Harbour, Canada?

A de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver disappeared while performing a mail delivery service in British Columbia, leaving no trace of the aircraft or pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-06-06 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-06-06 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration CF-JOP, operated by Air West BC, at Bull Harbour, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the disappearance remains unknown because no significant portion of the aircraft was recovered.

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