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16 fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash near Montreal-Dorval Airport (AE729)

Montreal-Pierre-Elliott Trudeau (ex Dorval), CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On October 26, 1942, a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura (registration AE729) operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF was involved in an aviation accident near Montreal-Pierre-Elliott Trudeau (ex Dorval), Canada during takeoff. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure shortly after takeoff led to a loss of control and subsequent crash. 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 2026-08-26Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from Montreal-Dorval Airport while climbing toward Goose Bay, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all 16 occupants on board.

What happened

The twin engine aircraft departed Montreal-Dorval Airport bound for Goose Bay. The flight carried a total of sixteen people: two civilian pilots and fourteen passengers. Among the passenger group were four contractors traveling to Goose Bay to install equipment for the new airport facility.

Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb phase, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. Following this mechanical issue, the crew lost control of the airplane. The aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed approximately 3 km east of Dorval Airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe, and all 16 occupants were killed in the accident.

Findings

The official investigation identified the primary contributing factor as an engine failure occurring shortly after takeoff.

Probable cause

Engine failure shortly after takeoff led to a loss of control and subsequent crash.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Oct 1942 Lockheed PV-1 Ventura accident near Montreal-Pierre-Elliott Trudeau (ex Dorval), Canada?

A twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from Montreal-Dorval Airport while climbing toward Goose Bay, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all 16 occupants on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 1942 Lockheed PV-1 Ventura accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 16 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Oct 1942 involved a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura, registration AE729, operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF, at Montreal-Pierre-Elliott Trudeau (ex Dorval), Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure shortly after takeoff led to a loss of control and subsequent crash.

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