What happened
On March 3, 1942, a single-engine aircraft operating between Yellowknife and Cambridge Bay experienced a sudden fire outbreak during the en route phase of flight. In response to the emergency, the pilot reduced altitude to attempt an immediate landing on Dumas Lake. Upon touchdown, the airframe slid for several yards before coming to rest, at which point it was completely consumed by flames.
Rescue teams arrived at the scene following the crash. During the evacuation process, the pilot and one passenger were successfully extracted from the wreckage. Tragically, a second passenger did not survive the incident. The aircraft sustained total destruction due to the intensity of the fire.
Findings
The official investigation determined that an uncontained fire erupted in flight for undetermined reasons. No specific mechanical failure or external cause was identified as the origin of the blaze.