1 fatality

1963-01-22: Noorduyn Norseman (CF-BHW) — Transair Canada — Pickle Lake, Canada

Pickle Lake, CanadaFlight

On January 22, 1963, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-BHW) operated by Transair Canada was involved in an aviation accident near Pickle Lake, Canada in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The structural failure was caused by the fatigue-induced breakage of the front eyebolt on the aircraft's left wing strut. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781244171Data APIEditorial standards

A flight departing from Pickle Lake, Ontario, failed to reach its scheduled destinations, resulting in a fatal crash following structural failure.

What happened

A flight originating from Pickle Lake, Ontario, was scheduled to visit several locations, including Round Lake, Bearskin Lake, Big Trout Lake, and Big Beaver House. Following its departure, the aircraft failed to reach any of its intended intermediate stops or its final destination. The aircraft remained missing until it was located on 30 May 1963, approximately 73 miles northwest of Pickle Lake at coordinates 52° 24'N - 90°54'W.

Investigations determined that the accident occurred at approximately 1215LT. The impact resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and the total destruction of the aircraft. Evidence recovered from the site indicated that the aircraft experienced a structural failure during flight.

Findings

The investigation into the wreckage revealed that the left wing had broken apart while the aircraft was still airborne, prior to the final impact with the ground. The primary factor identified in this accident was the fatigue failure of the front eyebolt located on the left wing strut.

Probable cause

The structural failure was caused by the fatigue-induced breakage of the front eyebolt on the aircraft's left wing strut.