No fatalities

Caribou Test Flight Crash Near Udora, Ontario Leaves Two Seriously Injured (CF-LKI-X)

Udora, CanadaFlight

On February 24, 1959, a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (registration CF-LKI-X) operated by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada was involved in an aviation accident near Udora, Canada in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control resulting from a partial tail failure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a test flight of the third Caribou model for the US Army, the crew lost control near Udora, Ontario. The aircraft crashed and was destroyed, seriously injuring both crew members. Investigation found a partial tail failure as cause.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a test flight of the third Caribou model, which was scheduled to be delivered to the US Army. The crew was operating the aircraft in the vicinity of Udora, Ontario, when they lost control. The airplane subsequently dove into the ground and crashed in a field. Both crew members were seriously injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation into the accident determined that the loss of control was believed to be the result of a partial failure of the tail. No other contributing factors were cited in the findings.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft involved was the third version of the Caribou, a type intended for military transport. The specific registration or construction details were not disclosed in the report.

Probable cause

Loss of control resulting from a partial tail failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Feb 1959 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident near Udora, Canada?

During a test flight of the third Caribou model for the US Army, the crew lost control near Udora, Ontario. The aircraft crashed and was destroyed, seriously injuring both crew members. Investigation found a partial tail failure as cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Feb 1959 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Feb 1959 involved a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou, registration CF-LKI-X, operated by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, at Udora, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control resulting from a partial tail failure.