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Single-engine aircraft sinks after landing on iced Fish Lake (G-CANB)

Fish Lake, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 20, 1937, a Fairchild FC-2 (registration G-CANB) operated by Canadian Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Fish Lake, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The ice on Fish Lake was insufficiently strong to support the weight of the single-engine aircraft, causing it to break through and sink upon landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-27Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft broke through the ice of Fish Lake upon landing and submerged, resulting in no injuries or fatalities.

What happened

The incident occurred when a single-engine aircraft attempted to land on the surface of Fish Lake. At the time of the event, the lake was covered in ice. As the aircraft made contact with the frozen surface during its landing approach, the structural integrity of the ice failed under the weight of the machine. Consequently, the plane broke through the crust and sank into the water below.

Findings

Despite the total loss of the airframe due to submersion, the event was classified as non-fatal. There were no casualties reported among those on board or in the vicinity. The primary factor leading to the accident was the inability of the iced surface to support the weight of the aircraft during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The ice on Fish Lake was insufficiently strong to support the weight of the single-engine aircraft, causing it to break through and sink upon landing.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Dec 1937 Fairchild FC-2 accident near Fish Lake, Canada?

A single-engine aircraft broke through the ice of Fish Lake upon landing and submerged, resulting in no injuries or fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Dec 1937 Fairchild FC-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Dec 1937 involved a Fairchild FC-2, registration G-CANB, operated by Canadian Airways, at Fish Lake, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The ice on Fish Lake was insufficiently strong to support the weight of the single-engine aircraft, causing it to break through and sink upon landing.

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