Crash of a Grumman S-2F Tracker in Quesnel

Date & Time: Aug 28, 1994
Type of aircraft:
Grumman S-2 Tracker
Operator:
Registration:
C-GHNU
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Fire fighting
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
MSN:
351
YOM:
1957
Flight number:
Tanker 72
Location:
Quesnel
British Columbia
Country:
Canada
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, was engaged in a fire fighting mission in the region of Quesnel. While cruising at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the pilot realized that the oil pressure on the left engine dropped while oil was leaking. He decided to shut down the left engine but mistakenly activated the fire extinguishing system on the right engine, causing the right engine to stop as well. In such conditions, he reduced his altitude and attempted to ditch the aircraft in the Fraser River near Quesnel. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and the pilot was slightly injured.

Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680E in Quesnel

Date & Time: Oct 16, 1979
Type of aircraft:
Rockwell Grand Commander 680
Operator:
Futura Aviation
Registration:
C-GFAC
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Ferry
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Plain, Valley
MSN:
680-0837-68
YOM:
1959
Location:
Quesnel
British Columbia
Country:
Canada
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The pilot encountered technical problems and decided to attempt an emergency landing in Quesnel. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair while the pilot, sole on board, was uninjured.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver near Quesnel: 4 killed

Date & Time: Sep 5, 1978
Type of aircraft:
De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
Operator:
Canyon Airways
Registration:
C-GDAV
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Dragon Lake - Isaac Lake
MSN:
770
YOM:
1955
Location:
Quesnel
British Columbia
Country:
Canada
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
4
Aircraft flight hours:
6905
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Dragon Lake on a charter flight to Isaac Lake located 65 miles to the east, carrying three passengers and a pilot. En route, he encountered poor weather conditions when the seaplane struck trees and crashed in flames in a wooded area located about 12 miles northeast of Quesnel. The aircraft was completely destroyed by fire and all four occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was limited due to low clouds.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the pilot lost control of the airplane while flying under VFR mode in IMC conditions. Investigations revealed that at takeoff, the aircraft was 359 pounds overweight and the centre of gravity was 1.5 inch aft of the aft limit. After 45 minutes of flight, the aircraft would be 200 pounds overweight with a centre of gravity located 0.5 inch aft of the limit.
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