No fatalities

1959-07-26: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (CF-FHE) — Austin Airways — Kangiqsualujjuaq (Wakeham Bay), Canada

Kangiqsualujjuaq (Wakeham Bay), CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On July 26, 1959, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration CF-FHE) operated by Austin Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Kangiqsualujjuaq (Wakeham Bay), Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure caused by a fuel starvation due to a pilot inattention to fuel system (fuel selector on wrong tank, empty). 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 1781247286Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft failed to become airborne during takeoff from remote terrain southwest of Kangiqsujuaq, veered off the runway, and overturned. All three occupants sustained injuries and the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

A single-engine aircraft was conducting a takeoff from a remote area approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay). The aircraft failed to achieve flight, veered off the runway, and came to rest in an inverted position. All three occupants were injured, and the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be engine failure resulting from fuel starvation. This was attributed to pilot inattention to the fuel system, specifically the fuel selector being positioned on a wrong tank that was empty.