Engine fire and runway excursion at Seven Islands Airport

1 fatality • Seven Islands, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced an engine fire during its initial climb from Seven Islands Airport, leading to a loss of control upon landing and one fatality.

What happened

At 09:13 local time, an aircraft departed from Seven Islands Airport. During the climb phase following takeoff, the crew identified a fire occurring in the number two engine. In response to this emergency, air traffic control authorized the flight to perform an immediate return to the airfield.

Upon completing the emergency landing, the crew attempted to utilize the braking system. However, a fire within the left main gear wheel well resulted in a total loss of directional control. The aircraft type veered toward the right side of the runway and exited the paved surface. Following the excursion, the plane caught fire, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe. During the subsequent evacuation process, one fatality was recorded.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the fire originated from an overheating starter selector relay during the engine start sequence for both engines. The investigation concluded that a nearby wire bundle acted as a source of fuel for the fire, which eventually compromised the aircraft's systems.

Probable cause

The overheating of a starter selector relay combined with the presence of combustible wiring near the component initiated the fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-04-07 Vickers Viscount accident near Seven Islands, Canada?

An aircraft experienced an engine fire during its initial climb from Seven Islands Airport, leading to a loss of control upon landing and one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-04-07 Vickers Viscount accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-04-07 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration CF-THK, operated by Air Canada, at Seven Islands, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The overheating of a starter selector relay combined with the presence of combustible wiring near the component initiated the fire.

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