What happened
A flight departing from Trout Lake, North Bay, destined for Timagami, Ontario, crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was carrying the pilot, an engineer, four passengers, and approximately 1,200 pounds of equipment. Witnesses near Ingall Lake observed the plane at an altitude of roughly 1,200 feet, noting that the engine ceased functioning for about ten seconds before restarting with a noticeable loss of power and a rhythmic misfiring sound.
As the aircraft continued its flight, observers on the shores of Wilson Lake reported hearing the engine sputtering and noted the plane was losing altitude. One witness observed the aircraft perform a steep right bank before entering a spin. Near Milne Lake, a witness heard the engine roar loudly and fade three times before seeing the aircraft strike the ground approximately thirty feet from his location. The impact triggered an immediate and intense fire that consumed the aircraft.
The accident resulted in five fatalities, including the pilot, the air engineer, and three passengers, while one passenger sustained injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the post-impact fire.
Findings
Investigation into the wreckage revealed that the propeller was producing very little power at the moment of impact. While the carburetor suffered fire damage and fuel filters were missing, fuel remained in the tanks following the blaze. Investigators determined that the aircraft was overloaded by approximately 173 pounds at the time of the accident.
While weather conditions were not a factor, the investigation noted that the pilot had passed over two lakes that could have served as suitable sites for an emergency landing. The engine's failure to maintain altitude was identified as the primary cause of the crash.