On August 19, 1976, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-OBO) operated by Ontario Central Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Island Lake, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to recognize an insufficient altitude during a low-visibility approach led to the water impact. 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.
An aircraft crashed into the surface of Island Lake during a sunset approach, resulting in the loss of the airframe but no fatalities.
What happened
During a period of declining visibility at sunset, an aircraft began its descent toward Island Lake. As the pilot transitioned into the final approach phase, the plane made contact with the water surface. The impact caused the aircraft to capsize, leaving it resting upside down in the lake.
While the airframe sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, the pilot was successfully rescued from the wreckage. No other injuries were reported following the incident.
Findings
Low visibility conditions during the sunset approach.
The pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude while on final approach to the lake surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to recognize an insufficient altitude during a low-visibility approach led to the water impact.