On July 25, 1975, a Douglas DC-3 (registration C-GLUC) operated by Saint-Félicien Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Mistassini Lake, Canada in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of navigational and communication equipment led to pilot disorientation and an emergency fuel situation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A flight traveling from Matagami to Quebec was forced to ditch in Mistassini Lake following a loss of navigation and communication capabilities.
What happened
While performing a flight from Matagami toward Quebec, the aircraft experienced a critical failure of both its radio and navigation equipment. This technical malfunction caused the pilot to lose situational awareness regarding the plane's position. As the flight progressed, the crew realized that the remaining fuel was reaching critically low levels.
In an effort to prevent a more uncontrolled crash, the crew decided to perform an emergency ditching in Mistassini Lake. The impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair. Despite the severity of the landing, all 24 occupants were successfully pulled from the wreckage and rescued without loss of life.
Findings
The primary driver of the emergency was the simultaneous failure of navigation and radio systems.
Low fuel reserves necessitated the immediate decision to land on the water.
Probable cause
The loss of navigational and communication equipment led to pilot disorientation and an emergency fuel situation.