2 fatalities

Fatal single-engine aircraft accident near Kirkness Lake (CF-CPS)

Kirkness Lake, CanadaFlight

On December 23, 1950, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-CPS) operated by Ontario Central Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kirkness Lake, Canada in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost orientation while flying through heavy snowfall. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered CF-CPS
Aircraft registered CF-CPS. Photo: clipperarctic / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Kirkness Lake during heavy snowfall, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

During an active flight, the pilot of a single-engine aircraft encountered intense snowfall. This weather condition led to a loss of spatial orientation while operating over a remote area. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain within a forested region near Kirkness Lake.

Following the impact, both individuals on board sustained two fatalities. The two occupants suffered severe injuries during the crash and were transported to a medical facility in Red Lake for emergency treatment. Despite receiving care at the hospital, both victims succumbed to their injuries.

Findings

  • The pilot experienced significant disorientation due to heavy snow conditions.
  • The accident occurred during the en route phase of flight.

Probable cause

The pilot lost orientation while flying through heavy snowfall.