7 fatalities

Pilot Loses Control, Aircraft Crashes in Muskeg; Seven Killed (CF-MAL)

Berens River, CanadaFlight

On July 21, 1952, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-MAL) operated by Manitoba Government Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Berens River, Canada in flight. 7 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

A single-engine aircraft carrying seven people crashed in a muskeg north of Berens River after the pilot lost control en route from Lac-du-Bonnet to Norway House. All seven occupants were killed.

Flight and Accident

A single-engine aircraft departed from Lac-du-Bonnet, Manitoba, bound for Norway House, Manitoba. On board were six employees of the Manitoba Government and a pilot. During the flight, the pilot lost control of the airplane, which subsequently crashed into a muskeg area north of Berens River, Manitoba.

The accident resulted in the deaths of all seven occupants. The deceased are identified as pilot Russell C. Percy and passengers Frank W. East, Robert H. Frederickson, Arthur G. Hanson, John G. Horsburgh, Martin T. Madden, and Allan W. McLellan.

Investigation

No further details regarding the cause of the loss of control or other circumstances surrounding the accident have been released. The investigation is ongoing.