Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

De Havilland DH 89 Dragon Rapide CF-BNG

Explore the dramatic emergency landing of CF-BNG on Lake Ontario in 1946, where the pilot’s quick thinking saved his life amidst an engine fire.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: CF-BNG
  • Type: De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
  • Year Built: 1939
  • Builder:
  • Dimensions:
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Lake Ontario

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide

Description

Description: The De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide was a British twin-engine biplane designed for short-haul flights. The aircraft CF-BNG was registered in Canada and was known for its distinctive design and performance.

History

History: CF-BNG was manufactured in 1939 and was a common sight in Canadian skies. On March 9, 1946, it was on a scheduled flight from Montreal to Toronto when it encountered an engine fire, leading to an emergency landing on Lake Ontario.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

  • March 9, 1946: Engine fire during flight, leading to an emergency landing on Lake Ontario.
  • The pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft before it was engulfed in flames.

Final Disposition

Final Disposition: The aircraft was completely destroyed by fire on Lake Ontario. The exact location of the wreckage remains unknown, leaving its final resting place a mystery.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility: The remains of CF-BNG, if they still exist, are submerged in Lake Ontario. The likelihood of recovery or exploration is minimal due to the time elapsed and the destructive nature of the fire.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”de-havilland-dh-89-dragon-rapide-cf-bng” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

Closing Summary: The incident involving CF-BNG highlights the importance of pilot training and emergency preparedness in aviation. As divers, remember to respect the site and leave only bubbles, taking only memories.

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

  • Name: CF-BNG
  • Type: De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
  • Date of Incident: March 9, 1946
  • Aircraft Registration: CF-BNG
  • Manufactured: 1939
  • Final Location: Lake Ontario
  • Coordinates:

INCIDENT DESCRIPTION

On March 9, 1946, the De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registered as CF-BNG, departed Montreal for a scheduled flight to Toronto. The aircraft, piloted by a lone crew member, was a routine sight in Canadian skies, having been manufactured in 1939. However, this journey would soon turn into a perilous adventure that tested the pilot’s mettle.

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE
During the enroute phase of the flight, an engine fire broke out, creating an emergency that required immediate action. The pilot, demonstrating quick thinking and skillful maneuvering, decided to attempt an emergency landing on Lake Ontario, where ice provided a tenuous but vital landing surface.

As the aircraft descended, the pilot expertly navigated it onto the icy lake. The landing was fraught with danger—flames licked at the aircraft, and sparks flew as it skidded on its floats. Despite the life-threatening situation, the pilot managed to safely evacuate the aircraft before the flames fully engulfed it.

The aftermath left the CF-BNG utterly destroyed by fire, but remarkably, the pilot emerged unharmed. This incident quickly became a national headline, showcasing the pilot’s bravery and the dramatic nature of the escape.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CF-BNG did not survive the fire and was completely destroyed on Lake Ontario. The exact location of the wreckage, if any remnants remain, is not documented, leaving the final resting place of the aircraft a mystery.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The remains of the CF-BNG, if they still exist, lie somewhere in Lake Ontario. The exact site is not known, and the likelihood of recovery or exploration is minimal given the time elapsed and the destructive nature of the fire.

RESOURCES & LINKS

  • Related Articles: Local and national news archives from March 1946
  • Aviation Safety Database: Reports on historical incidents involving De Havilland aircraft
  • Canadian Aviation Museum: Information on the De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide series

Keywords: CF-BNG, De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, Lake Ontario emergency landing, 1946 aviation incident, Montreal to Toronto flight, engine fire, aviation safety.

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. de-havilland-dh-89-dragon-rapide 1946-03-09 07:49:00