Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

A DC-3C, registration C-FBZN, owned by Transfair was destroyed in an accident shortly after take off from the La Grande-LG-4 airstrip, QC. Both crew members were fatally injured. The system used for de-icing the wings on the ground was available at the airport, but it was not used. A broom was used to remove snow and ice from the wings. The airplane departed with some ice still present on the wings. The airplane took off at 06:35 for a visual flight rules (VFR) charter flight to Lac Bienville, QC. The aircraft, with two crew members, was transporting drums of kerosene (Jet B) for a Hydro-Quebec contractor. An eye witness said that the takeoff from runway 10 was normal and that the pilot initiated a left turn at low altitude immediately after the landing gear was retracted. But shortly after takeoff the crankshaft of the left engine failed between the two banks of cylinders. The rear section of the engine continued to operate because it was still connected to its key accessories, including the magnetos; however, its power could not be transmitted to the propeller. The tachometer, which was also mounted on the rear section of the engine, was still providing an engine rpm reading. The failure of the crankshaft caused the front part of the engine to misfire, and the pistons were no longer synchronized with the ignition timing of the magnetos. This seriously disrupted engine operation and caused a rapid decay of rpm in the front section of the engine, which drives the propeller governor. The propeller governor regulates propeller rpm by adjusting the blade pitch angle, thus maintaining the selected rpm despite variations in engine power. When the propeller governor detected a decrease in engine power, it adjusted the blades to a lower pitch angle to reduce the torque required to maintain rpm. The additional drag generated by the left propeller operating at a low pitch angle was further aggravated by the requirement for more power to windmill the propeller, as it was affected by the resistance created by the erratic functioning of the cylinder bank with which it was engaged. The crew may not have recognized the engine failure and was not able to feather the left propeller in time. A left hand turn was initiated in an attempt to return for a landing. While the pilot was trying to maintain the aircraft in flight, its critical angle of attack was probably exceeded, and the aircraft stalled in the turn.

The pilot stated that during takeoff from runway 35L, the copilot on the flight controls reduced left propeller and right engine power at an altitude of less than 100 feet agl. He attempted to restore takeoff power while applying forward pressure on the control yoke, but lost control of the aircraft and impacted the terrain adjacent to the departure runway. He further stated that the cargo may have shifted to the rear of the aircraft during takeoff. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were seriously injured.

Crashed in unknown circumstances while performing a cargo flight from La paz to Apolo. As the aircraft failed to arrive at destination, SAR operations were initiated but the wreckage was never found. It is believed the aircraft crashed in a mountain range located about 70 km north of La Paz.

A Douglas DC-3C was destroyed when it crashed in Pikangikum Lake, ON, Canada. Both the pilot and the co-pilot were fatally injured in the accident. The airplane departed Red Lake Airport, ON (YRL) as Air Ontario flight 937 on a flight to Pikangikum Airport, ON (YPM). The main cargo load being carried consisted of a rubberized bladder tank containing 2,068 litres of fuel oil. Weather at the Pikangikum Airport was poor with drizzle, low clouds, and fog, with a visibility of one and one-half to two miles. The airplane was heard overflying the airport and turning over the Pikangikum Lake in preparation for a final approach and landing on runway 27. While over the water the airplane stalled and struck the ice-covered lake 180 feet south of a tree-covered island. It descended through the ice and struck the lake bottom at a depth of 8 to 12 feet. The ice thickness at the area of impact varied from one inch to three inches. Both pilots were killed.

After takeoff from Harare-Charles Prince Airport, while climbing, the right engine failed. The aircraft stalled and crashed 5 km from the airport. All three crew members were injured.

Crashed in unknown circumstances while on a flight from Villavicencio to Neiva. All eight occupants were killed.

After takeoff from Quelimane Airport, while climbing, the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air missile and crashed in a field, bursting into flames. Both pilots were killed.

Crashed upon landing at Bangkok-Don Mueang Airport for unknown reasons. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Shortly after takeoff from Robe Airport, while climbing, the left engine lost power (down to 1,500 rpm) and the crew encountered severe vibrations. The captain decided to return to land to runway 15 but as he realized he could not make it, he attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft completed a belly landing in an open field located 2 km north of the airport. All seven occupants evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crashed in unknown circumstances. There were no casualties.