Accident Overview
A Douglas DC-3C was destroyed when it crashed into Pikangikum Lake in Ontario, Canada. Both the pilot and co-pilot were fatally injured. The aircraft was operating as Air Ontario Flight 937 from Red Lake Airport (YRL) to Pikangikum Airport (YPM).
Flight Details
The flight departed Red Lake Airport with a primary cargo of a rubberized bladder tank containing 2,068 litres of fuel oil.
Weather Conditions
Weather at Pikangikum Airport was poor, with drizzle, low clouds, and fog. Visibility was reported as one and one-half to two miles.
Accident Sequence
The airplane was heard overflying the airport and turning over Pikangikum Lake in preparation for a final approach to runway 27. While over the water, the aircraft stalled and struck the ice-covered lake 180 feet south of a tree-covered island. It descended through the ice and struck the lake bottom at a depth of 8 to 12 feet. The ice thickness at the impact area varied from one to three inches.
Aftermath
Both pilots were killed in the accident. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that it is probable that the aircraft stalled at an altitude and in flight conditions from which recovery was not possible.