No fatalities

Aircraft fire following landing in Selkirk (CF-BFU)

Selkirk, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 31, 1971, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-BFU) operated by Gayle Air was involved in an aviation accident near Selkirk, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft's nose dipped during landing, causing it to overturn and ignite. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft equipped with skis overturned and caught fire during its landing sequence in Selkirk in 1971.

What happened

In 1971, an aircraft configured with skis was involved in a ground accident upon arrival at Selkirk. During the landing phase, the nose of the plane dipped downward, causing the aircraft to overturn. Following the capsize, the vehicle came to rest in an inverted position and subsequently ignited.

While the resulting fire completely destroyed the aircraft, there were no fatalities or injuries reported during the incident. The specific day and month of the event are not recorded in available documentation.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating with skis installed for landing.
  • The sequence of events began with a nose-down motion during the landing process.
  • The aircraft overturned and caught fire immediately following the impact with the ground.

Probable cause

The aircraft's nose dipped during landing, causing it to overturn and ignite.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Dec 1971 Noorduyn Norseman accident near Selkirk, Canada?

An aircraft equipped with skis overturned and caught fire during its landing sequence in Selkirk in 1971.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 1971 Noorduyn Norseman accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Dec 1971 involved a Noorduyn Norseman, registration CF-BFU, operated by Gayle Air, at Selkirk, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's nose dipped during landing, causing it to overturn and ignite.