Fairchild 71C CF-AKT

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    Second Life after Yukon Crash

    The Fairchild was widely used for bush flying in the 1930s. The particular aircraft on display at the Museum was operated by Canadian Airways and later by CP Air.

    The Fairchild FC-2W2 was designed and built in the U.S. in 1928. It carried seven passengers, or a payload of 625 kg (1,400 lbs). It became a popular general purpose aircraft and was used throughout the US, Canada, Alaska and Mexico. It was readily adapted to skis or floats and was widely used for bush flying in the 1930s. This particular aircraft crashed in the Yukon in August 1943. The wreckage remained there until 1973 when it was flown to Winnipeg in a Canadian Forces Hercules. This aircraft on display was operated by Canadian Airways and later by CP Air. Restoration – by Museum volunteers – was completed in 1991.

    The September 1943 accident report stated the CF-AKT’s engine stopped. The aircraft was on floats and 40 miles from Watson Lake. Pilot, Stan Emery couldn’t find a body of water nearby, so he landed in the bush. Just before touchdown, the starboard float hit a tree and flipped the aircraft on to its back. Miraculously, not even a pane of glass was broken and Stan walked away uninjured. Other than badly swollen feet caused by his long walk back to Watson Lake, he was in good condition. The Canadian Airways Station Manager at Watson Lake, Stan Wagner was upset at losing an aircraft and grounded Stan. The two parted ways after a heated discussion two weeks later.

    Stan Emery later joined Canadian Pacific Airlines and retired as a DC-8 Captain. The Station Manager, Stan Wagner, went on to become the General Manager of TransAir Ltd. – a position from which he retired. In 1991, when the aircraft was re-dedicated to the Museum, both the pilot and the Station Manager were in attendance – meeting once again after 48 years.

    SPECIFICATIONS

    Wingspan: 15.24 m (50′)

    Length: 10.0 m (32′ 10″)

    Height: 2.84 m (9′ 4″)

    Engine: 420 hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp C

    Cruise Speed: 171 km/h (106 mph)

    Max. Range: 1,006 km (625 miles)