3 fatalities

Nighttime Medical Evacuation Crash in Lake Erie (C-GSWC)

Pelée Island, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On June 24, 1989, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration C-GSWC) operated by South West Air - Canada was involved in an aviation accident near Pelée Island, Canada during takeoff. 3 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Erie shortly after a night takeoff from Pelée Airport during a medical evacuation. The copilot and patient survived, while three occupants were killed.

Incident Overview and Context A twin-engine aircraft was dispatched from Pelée Airport for a medical evacuation mission to Windsor. The flight was intended to transport a patient, and the aircraft departed under nighttime conditions. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the incident. ## Flight Details and Occupants The aircraft took off from runway 28 at night. The occupants included one patient, the patient's spouse, one ambulance officer, and two pilots. The flight was in the climbing phase shortly after takeoff when the incident occurred. ## Accident Sequence and Outcome During the climb, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into Lake Erie. The crash resulted in three fatalities. The copilot and the patient survived the accident. The source does not provide a probable cause or additional details regarding the investigation findings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jun 1989 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Pelée Island, Canada?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Erie shortly after a night takeoff from Pelée Airport during a medical evacuation. The copilot and patient survived, while three occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jun 1989 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jun 1989 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration C-GSWC, operated by South West Air - Canada, at Pelée Island, Canada.