1 fatality

Engine Failure and Crash Near Pelican Narrows (CF-ECF)

Pelican Narrows, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On July 4, 1964, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration CF-ECF) operated by Saskatchewan Government Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Pelican Narrows, Canada during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the engine after takeoff due to the wrong position of the fuel selector. It was determined that the fuel selector was positioned on an empty tank when the pilot took off. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight with a load of fish crashed into a lake after takeoff from Pelican Narrows when the engine lost power. The pilot was killed.

Accident

Shortly after takeoff from Pelican Narrows, while climbing, the engine lost power and failed. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing. During the descent, the airplane stalled and crashed into a small lake. The pilot was killed. The flight was a cargo operation transporting a load of fish.

Investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and determined the cause of the engine failure. They found that the fuel selector was positioned on an empty tank at the time of takeoff. This configuration led to the engine losing power shortly after departure.

Probable Cause

The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by the failure of the engine after takeoff due to the wrong position of the fuel selector. It was determined that the fuel selector was positioned on an empty tank when the pilot took off.