On December 18, 1959, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-BHY) operated by Wheeler Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Oskélanéo, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot encountered difficult weather conditions involving snow while attempting to land, leading to a collision with a bridge. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine aircraft crashed into a railway bridge while attempting to land in heavy snowfall near Oskélanéo.
What happened
During an approach to Oskélanéo, the pilot of a single-engine aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions characterized by falling snow. During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft collided with a railway bridge, resulting in a crash. The impact caused the total destruction of the airframe.
All individuals on board sustained injuries during the accident; however, rescue teams were able to reach the site and successfully extract all occupants. No fatalities were reported in the incident.
Findings
The presence of heavy snowfall and poor visibility at the time of the approach contributed to the accident.
The collision with a railway bridge was the primary event leading to the destruction of the aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot encountered difficult weather conditions involving snow while attempting to land, leading to a collision with a bridge.