On January 21, 1953, a Grumman G-21A Goose (registration CF-BHL) operated by Central BC Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Butedale, Canada in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot attempted an emergency landing due to worsening weather, which resulted in the aircraft striking terrain. 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.
A seaplane crashed into Kingscorner Point north of Butedale while the pilot was attempting an emergency landing due to worsening weather.
What happened
While traveling toward Kemano, a seaplane encountered increasingly poor weather conditions. In response to the deteriorating visibility and environment, the pilot elected to descend to a lower altitude. During this maneuver, the pilot attempted to perform an emergency landing.
Tragically, the aircraft struck Kingscorner Point, situated north of Butedale. The impact resulted in five fatalities among the passengers on board. The pilot was the sole survivor of the accident.
Findings
The flight was operating in deteriorating weather conditions.
The crash occurred during an attempted emergency landing following a reduction in altitude.
Probable cause
The pilot attempted an emergency landing due to worsening weather, which resulted in the aircraft striking terrain.