1 fatality

Single-engine accident near Waterways following engine failure (CF-ARI)

Fort McMurray, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On January 25, 1940, a Junkers W.34 (registration CF-ARI) operated by Canadian Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Fort McMurray, Canada during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure shortly after takeoff. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area south of Waterways shortly after departing Fort McMurray due to an engine failure during the climb phase, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed Fort McMurray. While in the initial climb phase following takeoff, the powerplant ceased functioning. The loss of thrust caused the aircraft to enter a stall, leading to an uncontrolled descent into a wooded area located approximately five miles south of Waterways.

Upon impact, the airframe was destroyed. The pilot sustained serious injuries during the crash and subsequently passed away a few hours later from those wounds.

Findings

The official investigation determined that the primary factor in the accident was engine failure occurring immediately after takeoff.

Probable cause

Engine failure shortly after takeoff.