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DHC-3 Otter Crash at Salkeld Lake, Northwest Territories (CF-QOR)

Salkeld Lake, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 17, 1977, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration CF-QOR) operated by Buffalo Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Salkeld Lake, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft could not out-climb the rising terrain during a go-around attempt, exacerbated by a tailwind condition and the aircraft being five hundred pounds over gross weight. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine DHC-3 Otter crashed and burned after a go-around attempt at Salkeld Lake, Northwest Territories, due to rising terrain, a tailwind, and excess weight, seriously injuring two occupants.

Incident Overview and Flight Details A single-engine DHC-3 Otter was operating a flight from its base at Fort Smith to Salkeld Lake in the Northwest Territories. The pilot had intentionally planned to land as close to the end of the lake as possible. During the approach, the aircraft overshot the selected landing area. ## Accident Sequence and Contributing Factors In an attempted go-around, the aircraft was unable to out-climb the rising terrain. A tailwind condition was present at the time of the incident. Additionally, the aircraft was operating five hundred pounds over its gross weight limit. ## Outcome The aircraft collided with trees, crashed, and burned. The two individuals on board were seriously injured.

Probable cause

The aircraft could not out-climb the rising terrain during a go-around attempt, exacerbated by a tailwind condition and the aircraft being five hundred pounds over gross weight.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1977 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident near Salkeld Lake, Canada?

A single-engine DHC-3 Otter crashed and burned after a go-around attempt at Salkeld Lake, Northwest Territories, due to rising terrain, a tailwind, and excess weight, seriously injuring two occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Apr 1977 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 17 Apr 1977 involved a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registration CF-QOR, operated by Buffalo Airways, at Salkeld Lake, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft could not out-climb the rising terrain during a go-around attempt, exacerbated by a tailwind condition and the aircraft being five hundred pounds over gross weight.

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