Crash Site Photos posted to Facebook – William Mancini. July 16, 2023

September 5, 1976 – CNE Airshow Incident

Overview

On September 5, 1976, during the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Airshow in Toronto, Ontario, a tragic accident occurred involving a De Havilland DH-83C Fox Moth, a vintage biplane. The aircraft was the first plane outin that day’s show but spun out of control shortly after takeoff and crashed into the water just offshore, alarmingly close to the spectator area.

Aircraft Involved

• Type: De Havilland DH-83C Fox Moth
• Role: Vintage aircraft, commonly used for airshow demonstrations due to its historical significance and unique design
• Configuration: Biplane, with a tandem cockpit layout—typically a pilot in the rear and a passenger or cargo in the front enclosed cabin
• Date: September 5, 1976
• Event: CNE Airshow, Toronto, Ontario
• Location: Just off the Lake Ontario shoreline, within sight of thousands of spectators
• Accident Summary:

The Fox Moth took off as part of the scheduled performances but soon entered an uncontrolled spin—a maneuver often seen in aerobatics but clearly unintended in this case. Witnesses described the aircraft struggling to regain stability before it plunged into the water just offshore, in dangerously close proximity to the crowd gathered for the airshow.

Rescue Efforts

The emergency response was remarkably swift, demonstrating the preparedness typical of airshow safety protocols:  Within 1 minute: Divers and rescue boats launched from the shore to the crash site. Shortly after: A rescue helicopter arrived, deploying two additional divers directly into the water near the wreckage.  The Pilot: Was found conscious and able to escape the partially submerged wreckage with assistance.  The Passenger: Tragically, a passenger remained trapped inside the mangled cockpit. Divers worked rapidly to free them, battling against the clock as the wreck sank further into the lake.

Outcome

• Pilot: Survived with minor injuries
• Passenger: Trapped inside the wreckage; the condition following recovery is not specified, though the circumstances suggest it was a critical situation
• Wreckage: The plane remained partially submerged until it was later recovered for investigation

Investigation and Aftermath

Following the crash:  Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) (or its predecessor organization) examined the wreckage.

• Possible Causes Considered:
• Mechanical failure (common in older aircraft)
• Pilot error during maneuver execution
• Aerodynamic stall leading to the uncontrolled spin

The accident led to a re-evaluation of safety protocols for vintage aircraft participating in airshows, particularly concerning:

• Proximity to spectators
• Aircraft maintenance standards
• Emergency response readiness

Legacy

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in airshow performances, especially when showcasing vintage aircraft with older technologies. It also highlighted the effectiveness of emergency response teamsand likely influenced changes in airshow regulations in Canada to enhance public safety.