Incident Overview
A de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter was conducting a flight from Prince Albert to Buffalo Narrows. Approximately six miles north of Ile-à-la-Crosse, the engine emitted a loud bang, followed by a total loss of power. Smoke entered the cockpit, prompting the pilot to initiate a forced landing. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful.
Emergency Landing
The pilot transmitted a mayday call, which was acknowledged by another aircraft. The Otter touched down in a semi-clear area within bush country. The landing was performed in a nose-high attitude with full flaps deployed. After coming to a stop, the pilot and the passenger evacuated the aircraft, fearing a post-crash fire; however, no fire occurred.
Aftermath
A rescue party located the pilot and passenger a short time after the accident. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond economic repair.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the power loss was the result of a failure of the master rod and link rods.