On May 17, 1940, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration 678) operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF was involved in an aviation accident near Grafton, Canada in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the aircraft while flying at low altitude over high ground in adverse weather conditions during a night navigation exercise. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A military aircraft crashed into high ground near Grafton during a night navigation exercise, resulting in the deaths of all four crew members on board.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was en route from Camp Borden to Trenton. The flight took place at night under adverse weather conditions. During the cruise phase, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft subsequently crashed into high ground located near Grafton. All four individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the crash occurred during a night cross-country flight intended to provide practical air navigation experience. The primary factor identified was the loss of control by the pilot while operating at low altitude over high ground in adverse weather conditions.
Probable cause
The pilot lost control of the aircraft while flying at low altitude over high ground in adverse weather conditions during a night navigation exercise.
What happened in the 17 May 1940 Noorduyn Norseman accident near Grafton, Canada?
A military aircraft crashed into high ground near Grafton during a night navigation exercise, resulting in the deaths of all four crew members on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 17 May 1940 Noorduyn Norseman accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 May 1940 involved a Noorduyn Norseman, registration 678, operated by Royal Canadian Air Force - RCAF, at Grafton, Canada.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot lost control of the aircraft while flying at low altitude over high ground in adverse weather conditions during a night navigation exercise.
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