Anyone know more about this NWO wreck?

[Idriveplane]

Cruising near Wiebenville one day I came up on this. Reg was C-FBER, an Otter of Pickle Lake Air Services. Anyone know why it crashed and why parts of the wreck are missing?

[Highflyinpilot]

I'd also like to know more?

[shimmydampner]

Don't know anything about the wreck, but I'm guessing the reason parts are missing is the same reason parts go missing from all wrecks--guys looking for usable parts, data plates, etc.

[Ride]

I am assuming by what I could dig up the crash happened quite some time ago (020986) so
I am sure since then people have been about and salvaged what they coould. Reasons, couldn't find any details.

Status:
Date: 02 SEP 1986
Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
Operator: Pickle Lake Air Services
Registration: C-FBER
C/n / msn: 86
First flight: 1955
Crew: Fatalities: / Occupants:
Passengers: Fatalities: / Occupants:
Total: Fatalities: / Occupants:
Airplane damage: Written off
Location: Pickle Lake, ON (Canada)
Phase: Unknown
Nature: Unknown
Departure airport: ?
Destination airport: ?
Narrative:
Forced landing in swamp.


Sources:

[Ballsssssss]

Someone probably had the dataplate off by the 2nd bounce...

[Lastcat]

Pickle Lake Air Services, Austin Airways' last floatbase operation, was sold and operated as Kelner Airways in May 1986. BER was purchased from a Quebec company that spring and joined Otter ODT; they also had a Beaver and a couple of C-185's.

That August BER suffered an engine fire on start up at the dock in YPL resulting in an engine change. On its first revenue flight, with the new engine, it was headed north to Opap. (site of the current Musslewhite Mine) with a load of drill rod when a bearing let go in the engine nose case, catching fire and crash landing in the swamp. The pilot did a hell of a job getting her down, he and the swamper walking away unhurt.

Most of BER burnt except the tail, wings and floats; the engine was removed for inspection by the NTSB. As you can imagine, the airline and insurance companies were in court for years with the engine overhaul facilitiy.

The mid to late 80's were a very busy time in NWO for floatplane operators due to the gold exploration boom; Midwest drilling alone had 40-50 drills turning year round in the YPL region. Kelner immediately bought Otter DAK from Green Airways in Red Lake to replace BER, then added a Beech 18 on skis and floats and Otter SUB from Harbour Air in BC. 100 Series Twin Otter RDD on skis was leased for a winter from Nahanni Air (per Northwright Air) in Norman Wells, then the following summer Kelner purchased Twin Otters QBU and DMR with skis and floats.

In Sept 87 they recieved their first Caravan, KAL, the first commercially operated C-208 in Canada, and second one registered next to the RCMP's machine. Two C-208B Super CargoMasters showed up in the spring and fall of 88 and the rest, they say, is history.........................

[Red Line]

Very informative! I'm familiar with some of the planes mentioned, so it was interesting to hear a part of their history. Thanks!

[CGZMT]

Where is this crash located in relation to Weibanville. I am currently doing some work up the 599 near Windigo for the MNR. Pass the strip at least four times a week. Wouldn't mind a nice hike. THX

[Idriveplane]

Thanks for the info lastcat

CGZMT: The wreck is several miles north of the highway through dense bush and muskeg. I't would be quite a venture, I'd only attempt it in the winter.

[Gregmadden]

Thanks for your comment lastcat...I appreciate them
How did you get the details..they are very accurate
Any more info required?
I was the pilot of the aircraft
Cheers
Greg

[Gregmadden]

Someone probably had the dataplate off by the 2nd bounce...

No bounce it stopped in 183 feet!