On February 15, 1983, a Douglas DC-3 (registration C-FBKX) operated by Ontario Central Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Shamattawa, Canada in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine following the failure of a connecting rod. The fact that the aircraft was overloaded was considered as a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While cruising at 700 feet, the crew experienced left engine problems. After feathering the propeller, the overloaded aircraft could not maintain altitude, hit trees, and crashed in a snow-covered area. All four occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Accident Summary
During cruise flight at an altitude of 700 feet, the crew encountered technical difficulties with the left engine. The propeller was feathered in response. However, the aircraft was operating above its maximum certified weight. Due to the overload condition, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude. It subsequently descended, striking trees before coming to rest in a snow-covered area.
Injuries and Damage
All four occupants sustained injuries as a result of the accident. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a failure of the left engine following the failure of a connecting rod. The fact that the aircraft was overloaded was considered a contributing factor.