6 fatalities

1979-10-09: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (C-GPVE) — Great Shield Air — Otter Lake, Canada

Otter Lake, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On October 9, 1979, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration C-GPVE) operated by Great Shield Air was involved in an aviation accident near Otter Lake, Canada during takeoff. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The aircraft was equipped with only two safety belts for six occupants and was 455 lbs above maximum gross weight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781224725Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane crashed in a wooded area after takeoff from Otter Lake, SK, killing all six occupants. Investigation found the aircraft was 455 lbs overweight and had only two safety belts for six people.

Accident Details

After takeoff from Otter Lake, Saskatchewan, a single-engine airplane entered an initial climb. During this phase, the aircraft first initiated a left turn, followed by a right turn. Subsequently, the airplane rolled left and right, then pitched down and impacted terrain in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash. All six occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be established with certainty. However, it was found that the aircraft was equipped with only two safety belts while carrying six people on board. Additionally, the total weight of the aircraft at the time of the accident was reported to be 455 pounds above the maximum gross weight specified by the manufacturer.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause could not be determined. Contributing factors identified were the aircraft's overweight condition by 455 lbs and the presence of only two safety belts for the six occupants.