On May 10, 1955, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-GUQ) operated by Lambair - Lamb Airways was involved in an aviation accident near The Pas, Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft exceeded its maximum weight capacity, leading to an aerodynamic stall shortly after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine airplane crashed and caught fire shortly after departing from The Pas, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot.
What happened
Following its departure from The Pas, a single-engine airplane experienced an aerodynamic stall. This loss of lift caused the aircraft to descend rapidly and impact the ground, subsequently erupting into flames.
During the emergency, rescue efforts were successful in evacuating all three passengers from the wreckage. While the passengers escaped without life-threatening injuries, the pilot sustained serious burns during the accident.
Findings
Official investigations into the crash concluded that the primary factor contributing to the stall and subsequent impact was that the aircraft was overloaded.
Probable cause
The aircraft exceeded its maximum weight capacity, leading to an aerodynamic stall shortly after takeoff.