On May 5, 1996, a Douglas DC-3 (registration C-GCZG) operated by Aviation Boréal was involved in an aviation accident near Kenty Lake, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The landing gear collapsed after the right ski impacted a snowbank during touchdown on an icy lake. 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.
An aircraft sustained significant damage after its landing gear collapsed during a landing attempt on an icy lake surface.
What happened
During an arrival on the frozen surface of Kenty Lake, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure upon contact with the ground. As the plane was touching down on the ice, the right ski made contact with a snowbank. This impact led to the immediate collapse of the landing gear.
Despite the structural damage to the airframe, the incident resulted in zero fatalities. All three occupants on board were successfully removed from the wreckage without injury. The impact was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss and was damaged beyond repair.
Findings
The primary factor in the gear collapse was the right ski striking a snowbank during the landing sequence.
Probable cause
The landing gear collapsed after the right ski impacted a snowbank during touchdown on an icy lake.