Miraculous Escape: CF-BNG’s Dramatic Landing on Lake Ontario
On March 9, 1946, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registered as CF-BNG, was about to embark on a scheduled revenue flight from Montreal to Toronto, Canada. Little did the pilot know that this routine journey would soon turn into a life-or-death situation that would test his skill and nerves.
With a crew of one, the flight began smoothly. However, during the enroute phase from Montreal to Toronto, a terrifying incident unfolded. An engine on the aircraft suddenly caught fire, sending panic and alarm throughout the cockpit.
In a moment of quick thinking and sheer determination, the pilot knew that immediate action was needed to avert disaster. He promptly reduced the aircraft’s altitude and commenced an emergency landing attempt on an icy area of Lake Ontario.
With the engine fire continuing to pose a grave threat, the pilot maneuvered the De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide with utmost precision. As the aircraft touched down on the icy lake’s surface, it slid on its floats, causing sparks to fly and flames to engulf the aircraft.
Despite the daunting circumstances, the pilot refused to succumb to despair. Summoning every ounce of strength and courage, he managed to evacuate the aircraft before the flames consumed it entirely. The pilot, remarkably the sole person on board, emerged from the harrowing experience unscathed.
CF-BNG’s dramatic landing on Lake Ontario made headlines across Canada and beyond. The twin-engine aircraft, a veteran of the skies with a manufacturing year of 1939, unfortunately, could not survive the inferno. The flames devoured the De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, leaving it utterly destroyed.
Investigations into the incident pointed to the engine fire as the probable cause of the emergency. The precise circumstances leading to the engine fire, however, remain unknown.
This incident serves as a testament to the bravery and skill of pilots who face unforeseen challenges while soaring through the skies. The pilot’s swift response and calculated decision-making ensured that the aircraft’s occupants survived unharmed, despite the aircraft’s ultimate demise.
CF-BNG’s miraculous escape on Lake Ontario stands as a reminder of the resilience of both aircraft and aviators. As we commemorate this event, let us salute the pilot’s unwavering determination and be reminded of the importance of safety and preparedness in the world of aviation. May this tale of courage continue to inspire future generations of aviators to rise above adversity and navigate the skies with unwavering determination.
