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2 fatalities

Fatal aircraft collision with mountain near Norman Wells (CF-TQW)

Norman Wells, CanadaFlight

On December 1, 1972, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CF-TQW) operated by Reindeer Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Norman Wells, Canada in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in marginal weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed into a mountainside in the Norman Wells region during flight through poor weather, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

During a flight through marginal weather conditions, an aircraft impacted the slope of a mountain situated in the vicinity of Norman Wells. The mountain involved in the collision reaches an elevation of 6,200 feet.

Following the impact, search efforts located the wreckage several hours later. The debris field was positioned approximately 200 feet below the summit of the peak. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both members of the flight crew perished in the crash.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in marginal weather conditions at the time of the impact.
  • The collision occurred during the cruise phase of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in marginal weather conditions.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Dec 1972 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Norman Wells, Canada?

An airplane crashed into a mountainside in the Norman Wells region during flight through poor weather, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Dec 1972 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Dec 1972 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration CF-TQW, operated by Reindeer Air Service, at Norman Wells, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in marginal weather conditions.

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