Nunavut | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

The aircraft departed Rankin Inlet at 1440LT on a non-scheduled flight to Chesterfield Inlet with a pilot, three passengers and freight on board. At 1455LT low clouds and airframe icing were encountered. The pilot altered the aircraft's heading toward the coastline of Hudson Bay and when over the coastline, turned left in an attempt to reach Chesterfleld Inlet. However, the pilot decided to land the aircraft at the first opportunity and, at about 1505LT, struck the snow-covered ground in whiteout conditions. The wreckage was found by an RCMP constable on his annual patrol about 30 minutes after the accident occurred. The aircraft was demolished and the four occupants were seriously injured.

Probable cause:

The pilot continued VFR flight into unfavorable weather conditions and attempting to land, collided with the ground.

Final Report:

Crash of a Douglas C-124 Globemaster II in Cambridge Bay

Date & Time: Apr 2, 1957

Type of aircraft:

Douglas C-124 Globemaster II

Operator:

Registration:

51-5176

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Military

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

43586

YOM:

1951

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

On final approach, the airplane was too low and hit a gravel bank and crashed. There were no casualties.

Crash of an Avro 685 York C.1 near Rankin Inlet

Date & Time: Jan 8, 1957

Type of aircraft:

Avro 685 York

Operator:

Registration:

CF-HIQ

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Rankin Inlet – Churchill

MSN:

SET18

YOM:

1946

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Few minutes after takeoff from Rankin Inlet, the crew encountered technical problems and decided to attempt an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed on the coast of the Hudson Bay, about 33 km south of Rankin Inlet. All three crew members were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando in Mackar Inlet

Date & Time: Sep 23, 1956

Type of aircraft:

Curtiss C-46 Commando

Operator:

Registration:

CF-IHR

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

32866

YOM:

1944

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

After touchdown at Mackar Inlet (DEW Line site n° 28), the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance, overran, lost its undercarriage and came to rest in a rocky area. Both crew members were unhurt while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of an Avro 685 York C.1 in Hall Beach

Date & Time: Sep 13, 1956

Type of aircraft:

Avro 685 York

Operator:

Registration:

CF-HFQ

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

SET16

YOM:

1946

Location:

Hall Beach (Sanirajak)

Nunavut

Country:

Canada

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

During the takeoff roll, the captain decided to abandon the departure and started an emergency braking procedure for unknown reason. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the four engine aircraft overran, lost its right main gear and came to rest. All three crew members were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Curtiss C-46F-1-CU Commando in Coral Harbour

Date & Time: Jul 6, 1956

Type of aircraft:

Curtiss C-46 Commando

Operator:

Registration:

CF-HZL

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Site:

Plain, Valley

MSN:

22394

YOM:

1945

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Crashed in unknown circumstances. Crew fate remains unknown.

Crash of a Noorduyn Norseman in Nunavut: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jun 5, 1956

Type of aircraft:

Noorduyn Norseman

Operator:

Registration:

CF-GJL

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

McConnell River – Arviat

MSN:

838

YOM:

1945

Location:

Nunavut

Country:

Canada

Region:

North America

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Crashed in flames in an uninhabited area while en route from McConnell River to Arviat (Eskimo Point). The pilot and a passenger were killed while both other occupants were rescued.