1 fatality

Fatal aircraft accident during takeoff attempt on Allard River (CF-QAA)

Allard River, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On March 14, 1959, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-QAA) operated by Gold Belt Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Allard River, Canada during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot aborted the takeoff roll, leading to a collision with rocks and a subsequent cartwheel. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed while attempting to depart from an icy river surface, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

While performing a takeoff roll along the frozen surface of the Allard River, the pilot initiated an aborted departure. During this maneuver, the ski-equipped airplane lost control and collided with rocks, causing the aircraft to cartwheel. The accident resulted in one fatality, as the pilot was the only person on board at the time of the crash.

Findings

Preliminary details suggest that the decision to terminate the takeoff run may have been prompted by the presence of frost on the wings. The impact with terrain features during the aborted attempt led to the destruction of the aircraft and the loss of life.

Probable cause

The pilot aborted the takeoff roll, leading to a collision with rocks and a subsequent cartwheel.