Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Cap-des-Rosiers, Canada, 24 Jul 1948 (CF-FKY)
On July 24, 1948, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CF-FKY) operated by Rimouski Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Cap-des-Rosiers, Canada during landing or approach. 29 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the crew started the approach visually in low visibility and was unable to locate ground obstacles. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Probable cause
It was determined that the crew started the approach visually in low visibility and was unable to locate ground obstacles.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The aircraft left Port-Menier, Anticosti Island, on a charter flight to Gaspé, carrying two pilots and 27 people, most of them employees of the Consolidated Paper Company. The approach to Gaspé Airport was started from the east in foggy conditions. While flying too low, the aircraft hit some trees, stalled and crashed in a wooded area located near Cap-des-Rosiers, about 20 km east of Gaspé Airport. Rescuers arrived on the scene few hours later and all 29 occupants were killed. Crew: Emerson Mills, pilot, Ross Miles, copilot. Passengers: Germain Jean, Elle Godin, Camille Furgesson, Jean Laflamme, Lawrence Travers, Mathias Cote, Henri Tardif, Rolland Denis, Alphonse Veer, René Blais, Alfred Desjardins, Rodolphe Gendreau, Roger Gendreau, Hughes Prouix, James Travers, Gérard Després, Harris Gleeton, Eddy Bouchard, Julien Fynott, Mr. and Mrs. Berth McCallum and son, Joseph Gauvin, Romuald Dufresne, Clarimond Fournier, Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Maloney.
Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that the crew started the approach visually in low visibility and was unable to locate ground obstacles.