Piper PA-20 CF-GNX

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

HISTORY #

• The Piper PA-20, registered as CF-GNX, was operational in Canada during the early 1960s. The aircraft was involved in an incident within a six-month window between June and December of 1961. Details of the aircraft’s operational history before the accident are sparse, but it served primarily in general aviation roles.

Analysis: #

1. Timeline:
   • The accident occurred sometime within a six-month window, from June to December 1961. This broad date range indicates that the exact date of the incident may not have been well-documented at the time, or that records were lost or incomplete.
2. Aircraft Type:
   • The Piper PA-20, known as the Pacer, was a popular light aircraft in the 1950s and early 1960s. It was widely used for personal flying, training, and light commercial activities. The PA-20 was a sturdy aircraft but, like all small planes, it was susceptible to weather conditions, pilot error, and mechanical failure.
3. Possible Causes:
   • Weather Conditions: Given the general timeline, it’s possible that adverse weather conditions could have played a role. If the incident happened during the latter part of the year, it could have involved early winter conditions, which might include snow, ice, or fog, all of which can contribute to aviation accidents.
   • Mechanical Failure: Given the era, maintenance standards for small aircraft might not have been as stringent as they are today. Possible mechanical failures could include engine problems, control surface issues, or structural failures.
   • Pilot Error: As with many small aircraft incidents, pilot error is often a contributing factor. This could range from navigation errors, misjudgment of weather conditions, or improper handling of the aircraft in challenging conditions.
   • Other Factors: It’s also possible that other factors, such as fuel issues (e.g., fuel exhaustion or contamination) or an emergency landing attempt, could have contributed to the accident.
4. Lack of Specific Details:
   • The absence of detailed information suggests that the accident might not have been extensively investigated, or the records were not preserved or digitized. This lack of data makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without further archival research or access to specific investigation reports (if they exist).
5. Source Analysis:
   • The sources provided include the Government of Canada Archives and the Aviation Safety Network, both of which are reliable but may not have complete records for every incident, especially those involving smaller aircraft from several decades ago.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

• Accident Details: The specifics of the accident involving CF-GNX remain unclear, including the exact date and circumstances. It is known that the incident occurred between June 1 and December 31, 1961. Further research may be required to determine the precise cause and outcome of the accident.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

• No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are related to this aircraft accident.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

• Discovery: No formal investigation or discovery report was noted for this incident.
• Date: Not specifically documented.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

• Condition: The current condition of the aircraft, post-accident, is not documented. If the wreckage was recovered, its status is unknown.
• Accessibility: Not applicable as the condition and location of the wreckage are not documented.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

• Additional Resources:
  • Government of Canada Archives – Piper PA-20 CF-GNX
  • Aviation Safety Network
• References:
  • The accident information is compiled from the Government of Canada Archives and the Aviation Safety Network.