On May 29, 1973, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CF-QBB) operated by Air Gaspé was involved in an aviation accident near Rimouski, Canada during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees due to flying at an insufficient altitude during a diversion necessitated by heavy fog. 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.
A flight from Gaspé crashed into a forested area near Rimouski after the crew diverted from Mont-Joli due to low visibility.
What happened
While operating a flight from Gaspé toward Mont-Joli, the flight crew encountered heavy fog that significantly reduced visibility. In response to these weather conditions, the decision was made to divert the aircraft to Rimouski Airport, situated approximately 25 km southwest of their original destination.
Shortly after initiating the diversion, the aircraft descended to an insufficient altitude and struck trees in a wooded area located roughly 5 km southeast of Rimouski. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and led to four fatalities.
Findings
The crew encountered poor visibility caused by fog during the approach.
The aircraft was flying at an altitude that was too low relative to the terrain before colliding with trees.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck trees due to flying at an insufficient altitude during a diversion necessitated by heavy fog.