On January 20, 1992, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration C-FHNM) operated by Air Satellite was involved in an aviation accident near Poste-Montagnais, Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a snowdrift after deviating from the runway centerline during a takeoff roll on an icy surface. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed after striking a snowdrift during a takeoff roll on an icy runway, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.
What happened
While performing a takeoff roll on runway 18, which was covered in ice, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway. Despite this deviation, the crew proceeded with the standard takeoff sequence. As the aircraft reached liftoff speed, it collided with a snowdrift measuring approximately 1.2 meters in height. The impact caused the aircraft to crash and eventually come to a halt in an inverted position.
There were no fatalities or injuries reported among the two pilots on board. While the crew managed to exit the wreckage safely, the aircraft sustained damage so severe that it was declared a total loss. Following the accident, the airframe was moved to Norway, where it remains on static display.
Findings
The runway surface was covered in ice at the time of the incident.
The aircraft struck a snowdrift during the transition from ground roll to flight.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck a snowdrift after deviating from the runway centerline during a takeoff roll on an icy surface.