1 fatality

1961-08-29: De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (CF-MEX) — Eastern Provincial Airways - EPA — Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord), Greenland

Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord), GreenlandTakeoff (climb)

On August 29, 1961, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration CF-MEX) operated by Eastern Provincial Airways - EPA was involved in an aviation accident near Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord), Greenland during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight fire, initiated and sustained by a severe fuel leak. The fuel leak was caused by the locking of a carburetor drain plug to unscrew. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781245506Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Søndre Strømfjord Airport, an aircraft caught fire. The crew attempted an emergency landing but crashed. One crew member was killed, five others injured, and the aircraft destroyed.

Accident Details

Minutes after departing from Søndre Strømfjord Airport en route to Egedesminde (Aasiaat), the aircraft experienced an in-flight fire. The crew reduced altitude and attempted an emergency landing, during which the airplane crashed.

Casualties and Damage

The accident resulted in one crew member fatality and injuries to five other occupants, some of whom sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

Investigation Findings

Investigators determined the probable cause of the accident was an in-flight fire, initiated and sustained by a severe fuel leak. The fuel leak resulted from the locking of a carburetor drain plug to unscrew.