Incident Overview
Date: Thursday 18 June 1942
Aircraft Type: Consolidated 16 Commodore
Owner/operator: American Export Airlines
Registration Number: NC664M
Location: Takla Lake, BC –
ÿ Canada
Phase of Flight: Standing
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Component Affected: Flying boatFlying boat
Category: Other
A civilian flying boat, contracted by the U.S. Military for military use in Alaska, experienced a catastrophic fire during a refueling stop at Takla Lake, BC. The fuel spill ignited, sinking the aircraft to the bottom of the lake. Initial plans to salvage the aircraft for display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum were cancelled.A civilian flying boat, contracted by the U.S. Military for military use in Alaska, experienced a catastrophic fire during a refueling stop at Takla Lake, BC. The fuel spill ignited, sinking the aircraft to the bottom of the lake. Initial plans to salvage the aircraft for display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum were cancelled.
Description
The Consolidated 16 Commodore flying boat was contracted by the U.S. Military for military use in Alaska. A civilian crew was contracted to fly it to Alaska, presumably from Florida. Intermediate stops were made en route to Alaska. During a refuelling stop at Takla Lake, BC fuel was spilt. It ignited, causing a large fire. The airplane sank to the bottom of the lake. Plans were made in 2010 to salvage to flying boat for display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Primary Cause
Fuel spillage during a refueling stop at Takla Lake, BC.Fuel spillage during a refueling stop at Takla Lake, BC.Share on:
