What happened
On a series of shuttle flights supporting forest fire suppression, a Douglas DC-3C operated by Buffalo Air was transporting fuel between Yellowknife, Trout Lake, and Fort Simpson. During the final leg of the day, departing Trout Lake for Fort Simpson, the aircraft experienced a critical loss of fuel pressure. While flying approximately six miles from the destination at an altitude of 400 to 500 feet, the pilot flying reported that the left engine was losing pressure, which quickly led to a total loss of power in that engine.
In an attempt to maintain power, the pilot not flying adjusted the fuel selectors between the left main and auxiliary tanks, but the engine failed repeatedly. Shortly after, the right engine also began losing power. Realizing that the fuel in three of the four tanks had been depleted, the captain took control of the aircraft to attempt an emergency landing. The crew notified the Fort Simpson Flight Service Station of their intention to land on the Mackenzie Highway near the Liard River.
Witnesses near the Liard River ferry crossing observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, noting that the engines sounded as if they were cutting in and out. Despite the crew's efforts to reach the highway, the aircraft struck trees and crash-landed approximately 0.5 nautical miles short of runway 31. There were 0 fatalities reported in the accident.
Findings
- The crew failed to verify the actual fuel quantity using a dip-stick because the tool was missing.
- Fuel exhaustion occurred because the crew relied on inaccurate calculations and did not realize the auxiliary tanks were empty.
- The aircraft had been operating for nearly five hours since its last refueling without a confirmed fuel check.