Emergency landing of single-engine aircraft near Precipice Lake, Manitoba

No fatalities • Flin Flon, Canada • Flight

A charter flight carrying nine passengers and one pilot resulted in an emergency landing in dense bush after the engine lost power.

What happened

A single-engine DHC-3 was conducting a charter mission from Barrier Lake, Manitoba, destined for Flin Flon. On board the aircraft were the pilot and eight passengers traveling for fishing purposes. During the flight, the crew was operating at a low altitude and utilizing reduced power settings, a measure taken due to headwinds and concerns regarding low fuel levels.

While in transit, the engine experienced a loss of power. In response to the engine failure, the pilot attempted to perform an emergency landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft made contact with trees before coming to rest in thick vegetation near Precipice Lake, Manitoba, situated approximately 10 miles north of Flin Flon. Although the impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft, there were no injuries among the 10 occupants on board.

Findings

The investigation determined that the primary reason for the engine failure was fuel starvation.

Probable cause

The engine lost power because the fuel supply was exhausted during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-09-16 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident near Flin Flon, Canada?

A charter flight carrying nine passengers and one pilot resulted in an emergency landing in dense bush after the engine lost power.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-09-16 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-09-16 involved a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registration CF-DRC, operated by Parsons Airways Northern, at Flin Flon, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power because the fuel supply was exhausted during flight.

Loading the flight search…