REPUBLIC RC-3 SEABEE # 1039

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AIRCRAFT DATA

Canadiana Heritage Reel # T-7930 (image 967 thru 1088).
Canadian CAR File # 5008-G1-6 (5008-GAF).

Weight Empty w/Skis: 2328 lbs (171 lbs added weight).
Installed in accordance with Northwest Industries Installation Drawings No: 330301 and  330310. (D. M. Camerford, Engineer A2270).

Flight tested by Emery A. Bebee, Chief Pilot Licence C4348.

Report dated 1949-07-19, Department of Transport:

1. Republic RC-3 aircraft CF-GAF took off from Penn Lake at approximately 20:00 hours, Standard Time, on June 15th, 1949. In the neighbourhood of 100 feet above the lake, it is reported that there was an explosion with a resultant fire. The pilot immediately made an emergency landing; the aircraft started to sink and the pilot and passengers, having put on life belts, left the aircraft and reached the shore of the lake about twenty-five minutes later, where they spent the night and were picked up the following morning by another pilot in an aircraft from Lake of Bays Air Service Limited. It is reported that the aircraft sank in great depth of water, possibly 300 feet, and that no attempt of salvage will be made.
   
2. Statements have been received from the pilot, Mr. Edward Lawson, and passengers, Messrs. H. and C. E. Stringer of Bancroft, Ontario; copies of which are attached. It will be noted that these three statements closely support the stated cause of accident enumerated above.
   
3. As the evidence is in a depth of water which makes its salvage practically economically impossible, and even though we are not completely satisfied, it is considered that we have not been able to discover any evidence to contrary, that the reports of the witnesses as submitted be accepted.
   
4. Mr. Lawson's Limited Commercial Pilot's Certificate, No. C-4373, was valid at the date of the accident and the aircraft was operating under a temporary authority valid until June 21, 1949 -- re our ART117, date June 7, 1949.
   
5. Under the circumstances, no further investigation is recommended, please.

(D. W. Saunders)
District Inspector, Air Regulations
for District Controller of Air Services, Toronto

Aircraft Inspector S. T. Grant, September 12th, 1949:
It was found upon inspection that there had been no fire before the aircraft sank, as reported by the pilot and passengers. The propeller and extension shaft had flown off the crankshaft, and in so doing a large gouge was made in the narrow section of the fuselage directly below the normal position of the propeller. This gouge had allowed water to enter the fuselage and it is believed that the aircraft began to sink immediately after landing. Due to air-tight compartments in the front section, it is considered that the aircraft once submerged, sank to the bottom of the lake slowly in the inverted position. The only damage apparent form hitting the bottom of the lake was that the tail fin was broken above the rudder.

Aircraft Inspector D. Bell, September 14th, 1949:
It is the opinion of the writer that one of the propeller blades let go first causing a terrific vibration shearing all flange bolts; securing extension shaft to crank shaft.

This is at least the third accident involving a Republic Seabee aircraft in which propeller failure was the primary cause. One of the accidents was fatal and the one under discussion could quite easily have resulted in fatalities had the pilot been 200' higher. It is suggested that this be brought to the attention of the A.I.D. Section.

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