On February 24, 1976, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration C-FBQJ) operated by Gateway Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Yellowknife, Canada during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the aircraft while descending through whiteout conditions near the airport. 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.
A small aircraft crashed in a forested region near Yellowknife Airport after encountering severe visibility issues during its approach.
What happened
During an approach to the Yellowknife Airport, the aircraft encountered intense whiteout conditions. As the pilot attempted to descend toward the airfield, the plane became uncontrollable and struck a wooded area situated a short distance from the airport.
The accident resulted in two fatalities and one injury among the occupants on board. The flight was in the descent phase of operation when the loss of control occurred due to the sudden lack of visibility.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the encounter with whiteout conditions during the landing sequence.
Probable cause
The pilot lost control of the aircraft while descending through whiteout conditions near the airport.