No fatalities

Pilot Mistakenly Shuts Down Both Engines During Firefighting Mission, Ditches in Fraser River (C-GHNU)

Quesnel, CanadaFlight

On August 28, 1994, a Grumman S-2 Tracker (registration C-GHNU) operated by Conair Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Quesnel, Canada in flight. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a firefighting mission near Quesnel experienced an oil pressure drop on the left engine, then mistakenly activated the fire extinguishing system on the right engine. Both engines failed, forcing a ditching in the Fraser River. The pilot was slightly injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Details

A pilot was conducting a firefighting mission in the vicinity of Quesnel. While cruising at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the pilot observed a drop in oil pressure on the left engine accompanied by an oil leak. In response, the pilot decided to shut down the left engine. However, during the shutdown procedure, the pilot mistakenly activated the fire extinguishing system on the right engine, causing that engine to stop as well.

Emergency Actions

With both engines inoperative, the pilot reduced altitude and initiated a controlled descent. The pilot then attempted to ditch the aircraft in the Fraser River near Quesnel.

Outcome

The ditching resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, which was assessed as damaged beyond repair. The pilot sustained minor injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 1994 Grumman S-2 Tracker accident near Quesnel, Canada?

A pilot on a firefighting mission near Quesnel experienced an oil pressure drop on the left engine, then mistakenly activated the fire extinguishing system on the right engine. Both engines failed, forcing a ditching in the Fraser River. The pilot was slightly injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 1994 Grumman S-2 Tracker accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 1994 involved a Grumman S-2 Tracker, registration C-GHNU, operated by Conair Aviation, at Quesnel, Canada.