No fatalities

Double Engine Failure Leads to Belly Landing in Quebec (CF-GXE)

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On April 12, 1961, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CF-GXE) operated by Canadian Government was involved in an aviation accident near Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure caused by a fuel starvation as the crew failed to position the fuel selector on the appropriate fuel tank. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A calibration flight ended with a belly landing after both engines failed. The crew attempted a field landing; all three occupants were uninjured.

Incident Details

The aircraft, operated by the Department of Transport, was conducting a calibration flight at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Airport in Quebec. During the initial climb, the left engine failed, shortly followed by the right engine.

Sequence of Events

After the sequential engine failures, the crew executed a belly landing in a field near the airport. The aircraft came to rest and was written off. All three occupants were uninjured.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the double engine failure was caused by fuel starvation due to the crew's failure to position the fuel selector on the appropriate fuel tank.