Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cessna 401A
- Type: Aircraft
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Ontario, near Toronto City-Billy Bishop Airport (CYTZ)
- Official Number: N6295Q
- Original Owners: Dr. Donald Frankel (pilot), Luella Roberts (passenger), Jacquelin Ann Boehne (passenger)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Aircraft Type: Cessna 401ARegistration: N6295Q
Incident Type: Fatal Crash
Description
Event Description:On July 23, 1976, a tragic accident occurred involving a Cessna 401A aircraft, registered as N6295Q, during its final approach to Toronto City-Billy Bishop Airport (CYTZ). The aircraft was piloted by Dr. Donald Frankel, who was also the president of the Flying Physicians Association. Accompanying him were his secretary, Luella Roberts, and Jacquelin Ann Boehne, both of whom were passengers. As the aircraft was completing its last turn during the approach, it unexpectedly went out of control and crashed into Lake Ontario. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and all three occupants were killed instantly. The crash occurred as they were en route to Toronto to attend an annual convention of physicians. The sudden loss of control during the final stages of the approach remains unexplained based on the available data, and the cause of the crash has not been definitively determined. Investigations following the crash would have focused on potential factors such as mechanical failure, pilot error, or other contributory causes, though specific conclusions are not detailed in the sources.
History
Final Disposition:The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact with the water. The wreckage and the remains of the occupants were recovered following the crash. Given the nature of the incident, it is likely that the wreckage was examined as part of the crash investigation, but the aircraft would not have been salvageable.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents:– July 23, 1976: Cessna 401A N6295Q crashes into Lake Ontario during final approach to Toronto City-Billy Bishop Airport, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.
Final Disposition
Current Condition & Accessibility:The exact location and current condition of the wreckage are not detailed. It is likely that the wreckage was removed following the crash as part of the investigation. The site is presumed to be in a part of Lake Ontario that would be inaccessible to casual divers, and the remains of the aircraft would have been recovered or are no longer present.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cessna-401-n6203q” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
Resources & Links:BAAA-ACRO
Aviation Safety Network Website
Keywords: Cessna 401A, N6295Q, Toronto City-Billy Bishop Airport, Lake Ontario crash, aviation accident, Flying Physicians Association, Dr. Donald Frankel, 1976 aircraft crash, fatal crash investigation.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
Aircraft Type: Cessna 401A
Registration: N6295Q
Incident Type: Fatal Crash
Location: Lake Ontario, near Toronto City-Billy Bishop Airport (CYTZ)
Coordinates: Not specified
Depth: Unknown (water depth in the vicinity of the crash)
Condition: Destroyed upon impact
Accessibility: Site investigated post-crash; likely inaccessible without specialized diving equipment
EVENT DESCRIPTION
On July 23, 1976, a tragic accident occurred involving a Cessna 401A aircraft, registered as N6295Q, during its final approach to Toronto City-Billy Bishop Airport (CYTZ). The aircraft was piloted by Dr. Donald Frankel, who was also the president of the Flying Physicians Association. Accompanying him were his secretary, Luella Roberts, and Jacquelin Ann Boehne, both of whom were passengers.
As the aircraft was completing its last turn during the approach, it unexpectedly went out of control and crashed into Lake Ontario. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and all three occupants were killed instantly. The crash occurred as they were en route to Toronto to attend an annual convention of physicians.
The sudden loss of control during the final stages of the approach remains unexplained based on the available data, and the cause of the crash has not been definitively determined. Investigations following the crash would have focused on potential factors such as mechanical failure, pilot error, or other contributory causes, though specific conclusions are not detailed in the sources.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact with the water. The wreckage and the remains of the occupants were recovered following the crash. Given the nature of the incident, it is likely that the wreckage was examined as part of the crash investigation, but the aircraft would not have been salvageable.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The exact location and current condition of the wreckage are not detailed. It is likely that the wreckage was removed following the crash as part of the investigation. The site is presumed to be in a part of Lake Ontario that would be inaccessible to casual divers, and the remains of the aircraft would have been recovered or are no longer present.
RESOURCES & LINKS
BAAA-ACRO
Aviation Safety Network Website
Keywords:
Cessna 401A, N6295Q, Toronto City-Billy Bishop Airport, Lake Ontario crash, aviation accident, Flying Physicians Association, Dr. Donald Frankel, 1976 aircraft crash, fatal crash investigation.
Mahler, John (photographer)
Toronto Star (Firm) (publisher)
Original Toronto Star caption: Three died yesterday when this eight passenger Cessna 401 crashed into Lake Ontario while turning for landing at Toronto Island Airport. Pilot was Dr. Donald Frankel; 57; of Chicago; president of Flying Physicians Association; whose annual convention opens here Monday. Also killed were his secretary; Luella Roberts; 27; of Chicago and Jacquelin Ann Boehne; 28; of Palos Heights