On December 17, 1995, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration C-FOEF) operated by Athabaska Airways was involved in an aviation accident near La Ronge, Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An intoxicated individual stole the aircraft and attempted to take off while the flight controls were in a locked position. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine aircraft was stolen while parked at La Ronge, resulting in a crash after the unauthorized operator attempted takeoff with locked controls.
What happened
An incident involving a single engine aircraft occurred at La Ronge when the plane was taken without authorization while stationary. An intoxicated individual, acting as an unauthorized pilot, managed to start the engine and began a takeoff attempt. However, the flight controls had been left in a locked position.
As the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 60 knots, it encountered various obstacles. The subsequent impact caused the plane to crash into a nearby hill. The aircraft sustained heavy damage and was declared a total loss.
Findings
The unauthorized operator was intoxicated at the time of the theft.
The flight controls were locked during the attempted takeoff, preventing proper maneuvering.
Probable cause
An intoxicated individual stole the aircraft and attempted to take off while the flight controls were in a locked position.