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Engine Fire After Takeoff at Thompson Airport; Fire Extinguisher System Fails (C-FQIX)

Thompson, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On June 1, 1979, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration C-FQIX) operated by Aero Trades (Western) was involved in an aviation accident near Thompson, Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire in engine n°1 after takeoff and failure of the fire extinguisher system. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from Thompson Airport, engine n°1 caught fire. The crew landed safely, both occupants uninjured. The airplane was partially destroyed as the fire extinguisher system failed, allowing fire to spread to the left wing.

Incident Details

Following departure from Thompson Airport, engine number 1 experienced a fire. The flight crew executed a turn after the fire was detected and successfully completed a landing back at the airport.

Occupants and Damage

Both individuals on board evacuated without injury. The aircraft sustained partial destruction due to the fire, which engulfed the left wing after the fire suppression system malfunctioned.

Fire Extinguisher System

According to reports, the onboard fire extinguisher system did not operate as intended. Its failure permitted the fire to propagate from the engine to the entire left wing structure, leading to extensive damage.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause determined was a fire in engine number 1 after takeoff and the failure of the fire extinguisher system.

In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 1979 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Thompson, Canada?

After takeoff from Thompson Airport, engine n°1 caught fire. The crew landed safely, both occupants uninjured. The airplane was partially destroyed as the fire extinguisher system failed, allowing fire to spread to the left wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 1979 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 1979 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration C-FQIX, operated by Aero Trades (Western), at Thompson, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fire in engine n°1 after takeoff and failure of the fire extinguisher system.

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