What happened
On the afternoon of September 4, 1976, a DHC-3 Otter, registration MIT, was preparing for a visual flight rules (VFR) trip from Moosonee to Timmins. During pre-flight preparations around 12:00 hours, the pilot requested weather updates via radio. At that time, the available reports suggested conditions were suitable for VFR operations. However, a subsequent special weather observation indicating deteriorating conditions was received by the ground operator at approximately 12:10 but was not communicated to the pilot.
The aircraft departed at 12:30 hours, intending to fly a direct route of 165 nautical miles between the Moosonee and Timmins NDBs. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot provided an estimated arrival time for South Porcupine. The ground operator subsequently attempted several radio contacts to relay the updated weather information, but these attempts were unsuccessful, and no further communication was received from the aircraft.
Due to rising terrain and cloud ceilings near 1,000 feet, it is believed the pilot diverted westward from the planned track to avoid worsening weather. The flight path likely followed the Abitibi River southward toward the site of the Abitibi Canyon Dam. As visibility decreased due to dense upslope fog in the narrowing valley, the aircraft struck high-tension electrical cables at 13:37 hours. Evidence suggests the pilot may have attempted a climbing turn to avoid the wires, but the collision was unavoidable. A post-impact fire destroyed the airframe, which had recorded 11,573 flight hours.
Findings
- The ground operator failed to relay critical, updated weather information to the pilot before departure.
- The pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, likely leading to a deviation from the intended course.
- The aircraft was operating under a charter for the Royal Commission on Electric Power Planning for Ontario.