Central Air Transport - Canada | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

The pilot was attempting to take off from a confined lake. The aircraft was near maximum weight and the temperature was high. He had planned a “go, no go” position and reported that the aircraft was on the step by this point. He realised himself that the takeoff would be successful. The pilot initiated a climb before a safe speed was reached and the aircraft did not accelerate properly. In order to avoid high terrain the pilot commenced a turn to the right. The aircraft began to mush and then stalled on the lake surface. The passengers stated that because there were no seats available they sat on top of the cargo.
Source: www.dhc-2.com

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter in Carling Lake

Date & Time: May 24, 1980

Type of aircraft:

De Havilland DHC-3 Otter

Operator:

Central Air Transport - Canada

Registration:

C-FGBX

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Carling Lake - Sioux Lookout

MSN:

004

YOM:

1952

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Aircraft flight hours:

11082

Circumstances:

Shortly after takeoff from Carling Lake, while climbing to an altitude of about 200 feet, the engine failed. The aircraft lost speed and height then contacted trees and crashed on the shore. All eight occupants were able to evacuate and were uninjured while the aircraft was totally destroyed by a post crash fire.

Probable cause:

The possibility that the aircraft stalled on climb out and that the pilot could not recover in time to prevent a collision with the trees cannot be discounted.