Otter (Total: 291, Canadian: 70, Group 0)

de Havilland Canada Otter

(No. 438 Squadron Archives Photo via Francois Dutil)(Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page)
de Havilland CC-123 Otter formation, No. 438 Squadron, RCAF, over Montreal, Quebec.

The de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter is a single-engined, high-wing, propeller-driven, short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft. It was conceived to be capable of performing the same roles as the earlier and highly successful Beaver, including as a bushplane, but is overall a larger aircraft.

The DHC-3/CC-123/CSR-123 Otter was used until 1980 by the RCAF and its successor, CF Air Command. It was used in Search and Rescue, as the "CSR" denotes Canadian Search (and) Rescue (type 123) and as a light utility transport, "CC" denoting Canadian Cargo. During the Suex Crisis, the Canadian government provided assistance to the UN Emergency Force (UNEF). HMCS Magnificent carried 4 Otters from Halifax to Port Said, Egypt, early in 1957, with all four flying off unassisted while the ship was at anchor. This was the only occasion when RCAF fixed wing aircraft operated from a Canadian warship. It was also operated on floats on water and skis for winter operations on snow. The EDO floats also had wheels for use on runways (amphibious). It was used as army support dropping supplies by parachute, and also non-parachute low-speed, low-altitude air drops, to support the Canadian Army on manoeuvres. In the end it was operated by the Primary Air Reserve in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton and Winnipeg, with approximately 10 aircraft at each base, as well as by the RSU (Regular (Forces) Support Units) at those bases. It was usually flown with a single pilot (Commissioned Officer) in the left seat and a Technical Air Crewman (NCO) in the right seat. The Kiowa helicopter replaced it in Air Reserve squadrons.

Although the Otter found ready acceptance in bush airlines, as in a similar scenario to the DHC-2 Beaver, the US Army soon became the largest operator of the aircraft (184 delivered as the U-1A Otter). Other military users included Australia, and India, but the primary role of the aircraft as a rugged bush plane continues to this day.

An Otter crossed the South Pole in 1957 (see Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition). The Otter is also popular in the skydiving community and can be found in many dropzones throughout the world. Harold Skaarup web page

YouTube Otter

Wikipedia Wikipedia Otter

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Otter 308,

s/n 308

c/n 437

308

UN registration. Delivered to Congo in a crate, assembled there and flown to Yeman, for use by No. 134 Air Tranport Unit, RCAF in support of UN operations there. To El Arish, Egypt in December 1963, for storage there with No. 115 Air Transport Unit, RCAF. To Congo in mid 1964, to be operated on behalf of UN by civilian crews.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1963-February-18 Taken on Strength delivered to UN 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 635

Otter 3661,

s/n 3661

m/d DHC 3

c/n 7

3661

Seen at Downsview on 13 March 1953, coded "AB*661" for publicity photos. Handed over to RCAF on 28 March 1953 with 3662, the first 2 Otters with the RCAF. Shortly after, delivered to No. 102 (C&R) Flight at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario. With the the Fort Churchill Station Flight later in 1953. Later with No. 408 (P) Squadron at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario. Temporary detachment to Goose Bay in summer of 1954 with this Squadron. With Goose Bay station flight in 1956. Transferred to Indian AF, their serial BM-1004. Taken on strength on 10 August 1963. Later to Canadian register as C-GPPL, registered to Watson's Skyways Ltd., operating as Hawk Air of Wawa, Ontario.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-February-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1963-March-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3662,

s/n 3662

m/d DHC 3

c/n 8

3662

Coded "AB*662" in 1953 for publicity photos before delivery. Handed over to RCAF on 28 March 1953 with 3661, the first 2 Otters with the RCAF. First used by No. 408 (P) Squadron at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, coded "MP*662". Used for initial Otter pilot training within the RCAF. To No. 102 (Comm) Unit at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario in the summer of 1953. Later to No. 111 (C&R) Flight at Winnipeg. Searched for survivors of USAF B-47 crash in northern Saskatchewan in February 1955. To Calgary, Alberta for overhaul in December 1955, replaced by Otter 3673. Back at Winnipeg by January 1956. To storage with No. 6 Repair Depot at Trenton in September 1957. Stored at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from 1964. With No. 401 Squadron at RCAF Station ST. Hubert, Quebec in 1950s. Sold back to de Havilland Canada, registered as CF-SUB. Registered as C-FSUB to Trans North Turbo Air of Whitehorse by 1976. By 1985 registered to Air North Charter and Training. Severel subsequent owners, including Harbour Air, North Coast Air Services, Beaver Air, V. Kelner Airways, Cargair Ltee., and Hudson Bay Air. Back to Cargair in 1997, Certificate of Registration issued on 18 April 2000. Reported still in use with Cargair in 2007, 54 years after first flight.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-February-23 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1965-June-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 1968 635

Otter 3663,

s/n 3663

m/d DHC 3

c/n 9

3663

To No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario in early 1950s, as replacement for Norseman. Coded "MN*663", in overall bare metal finish. Later used by auxiliary or reserve squadrons at RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario, including No. 400 Squadron (Auxiliary) in the 1960s. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number until retired. Operated by No. 438 Air Reserve Squadron at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec in 1976. Sold, to civil register as N3125G. Off register by 2006.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-March-03 Taken on Strength 2020-10-20
   1981-July-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 219

Otter 3664,

s/n 3664

m/d DHC 3

c/n 10

3664

Registered as CF-GTL, to Parson's Airways. By 1976 registered as C-FGTL to Lambair of the Pas, Manitoba. Later to Air Park Aviation of Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, registration cancelled on 16 July 1982. To Tundra Leasing of Winnipeg, registration cancelled 21 March 1983. To Central Air Transport of Sioux Lookout, Ontario, registration cancelled 25 October 1985. To Gold Belt Air Transport same day, registration cancelled on 22 July 1997. To Kuby's Aircraft of Kenora, Ontario that day.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-March-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1965-May-21 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 1968 630

Otter 3665,

s/n 3665

m/d DHC 3

c/n 11

3665

With No. 103 (R) Unit at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS, coded "QZ*665". To Indian Air Force, their serial BM-1003. Delivered 24 April 1963, taken on strength 10 August 1963. Back in USA by 2011, when it was operated by Harbour Air as N87KA
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-March-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1963-March-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3666,

s/n 3666

m/d DHC 3

c/n 12

3666

Publicity photos taken before deliver in markings of No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, but no record of service with this Squadron. To Goose Bay station flight, coded "QB*666". Used for transport to outlying radar stations, and parachute training with SAR techs. Medivac flight to Povungnituk, Quebec on 10 December 1953. Forced down by weather on lake while returning to Goose Bay, spent the night. Forced landing in Northwest River on 28 September 1955, following engine failure. Towed back to Goose Bay by a USAF boat. Category A crash at 18:54 on 10 April 1956 near Goose Bay. Casued by rapid pitch down when flaps were retracted during air test, wings then failed in negative G. Rapid retraction blamed on metal swarf caught in flap control valve. This crash, and one other similar accident, lead to extensive test program by DHC and the National Research Council. End result was installation of elevator and flap interconnect to all Otters.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-March-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-May-15 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A damage on 10 April 1956 at Goose Bay. 2019-08-20
1956-April-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Jack Moran Ketcheson CD 2023-05-17
1956-April-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Robert Cleveland Reid 2022-01-18
1956-April-10 KIFA RCAF Leading Aircraftman Francis Emmanuel Sollazzo 2023-04-25
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3667,

s/n 3667

m/d DHC 3

c/n 1

3667

Was CF-DYK, first Otter built. First flight at Downsview on 12 December 1951, as CF-DYK-X. First listed on RCAF books as a "King Beaver". Purchase by RCAF negotiated in November 1952. First delivered in DHC overall yellow colour scheme, serial marked as "3667-X". Loaned back to de Havilland Canada, based at Downsview, operated and maintained by DHC test department. Remained at Downsview after being struck off, used by DHC test department. Sold to de Havilland Canada in 1968, registered as CF-SKX. To Lambair of Manitoba in 1969. To Geoterrex in 1970. Crashed during high speed test dive near Dunrobin, Ontario on 1 May 1970. Was flight testing wip tip mounted magnetic survey pods at the time of the crash.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-February-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1963-February-28 Struck off Strength Struck off, transferred to Department of Defnce Production. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 1968 624 | 1968 635

Otter 3668,

s/n 3668

m/d DHC 3

c/n 22

3668

With No. 403 Squadron (Auxiliary) at Calgary in 1950s. Later became CF-OVN, registered to Aero Renters. With Gateway Aviation of Edmonton, Alberta in 1976, as C-FOVN. With Turn-Air of Yellowknife, NWT as C-FOVN, by 1985. A 1985 sales ad listed total time as 10,800 hours. Later to Aero Aviation Centre, registration cancelled in 1986 after aircraft was exported to the US. Registered as N9707B, became the prototype Vazar Turbo Otter conversion. Used for sales demonstrations across western and norther North America from 1987 to 1988. This owner's registration cancelled on 2 May 1989, but may have been active after this date.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-December-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1965-May-26 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 1968 634

Otter 3669,

s/n 3669

m/d DHC 3

c/n 23

3669

Coded "KT*669" during Arctic operations c.1954. With No. 102 (C&R) Unit at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario in 1966. Used by Reserve Squadrons, CFB Downsview, Ontario. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number until retired. With No. 400 Air Reserve Squadron post integration. Displayed inside Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Yorkdale, Ontario in February 1970 as part of recruiting display. Displayed at CNE summer of 1970, in reserve markings. Towed to fair ground by road. Received VIP interior while with these squadrons. Included sofa, table, and toilet. Ferried to storage at CFS Mountain View, Ontario by 400 Squadron crew on 17 December 1981. Sold to Newcal Aviation on 3 May 1983, flown to Decatur, Texas. Moved to Middletown, New York on 19 May 1987. Believed to be registered as N2631U while in the US. Moved to Edmonton, Alberta on 19 December 1987. Registered as C-FASV on 28 January 1988 to Skyharbor Aviation of Nisku, Alberta after complete overhaul and repaint. To Dawn Air of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on 8 February 1988. To Air-Sask Aviation of La Ronge, Saskatchewan on 13 July 1989. To Points North Air Services of La Ronge on 18 August 1993. Crashed while attempting to take off from slushy ice on a frozen lake 25.6 miles north of Points North Landing, Saskatchewan on 1 May 1999. Ran into bush on edge of lake without becoming airborne, destroyed by fire. All 6 occupants survived. Registration cancelled on 29 March 2000.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-November-27 Taken on Strength No. 1203 Technical Support Unit.TOS 27 Nov 1953 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-22
   1982-January-20 Struck off Strength RCAF History pending disposal 1981.SOS 20 Jan 1982 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-22
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 222

Otter 3670,

s/n 3670

m/d DHC 3

c/n 25

3670

With No. 121 (C&R) Flight, RCAF Station Sea Island, BC. One of two Otters burned on 4 May 1954 in a hanger fire.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-December-03 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-May-18 Struck off Strength Struck off, after burning out on 4 May 1954 at Sea Island. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3671,

s/n 3671

m/d DHC 3

c/n 26

3671

Had Search and Rescue and Homing (SARAH) equipment installed. Used By No. 411 Squadron, CFB Downsview, Ontario. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Used by No. 424 (T&R) Squadron at CFB Trenton, Ontario. Took part in air show at CFB North Bay on 1 July 1977. Used by Skyhawks jump team at CFB Mountain View, June 1978. Registered as C-GVMO, to King's Construction of Grimshaw, Alberta when sold. Registration cancelled in 1985. Later to US register as N26DE, with All West Freight of Flat, Alaska.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-December-11 Taken on Strength TOS 11 Dec 1953 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry 2020-10-22
   1982-March-10 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 217

Otter 3672,

s/n 3672

m/d DHC 3

c/n 27

3672

Delivered on 13 January 1954Served with No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe. Later with the Fort Churchill Station Flight, arriving there on 29 March 1954. Only one operational flight with this unit before crashing. Category B damage on 26 April 1954, at Churchill, Manitoba. Stalled and crashed shortly after takeoff for Chesterfield Inlet, found to be overloaded and out of c.g. range during crash investigation. Not repaired.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1953-December-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-May-19 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3673,

s/n 3673

m/d DHC 3

c/n 28

3673

With No. 103(R) Unit at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS in early 1950s. Loaned to No. 111 (C&R) Flight in Winnipeg in late 1955, while Otter 3662 was overhauled. With No. 424 (Aux) Squadron at Hamilton, Ontario. Seen on amphibious floats while with this unit. Used By No. 411 Squadron, RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. To Canadian Armed forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Deployed to Artic, including Churchill, Manitoba, with No. 411 Squadron detachment in the summer of 1973, Exercise Aurora II. To civil register as C-FSVP. Owners included Dajaco Commerce Corp. of Calgary to 18 June 1991; Central Mountain Air of Smithers, BC to 31 January 1995; Gynn Bay Logging of Campbell River, BC to 11 December 1995. Converted to turboprop, to Northern Lights Air Service of Goose Bay, Newfoundland until 20 June 2001. To Labrador Airways of Goose Bay on 16 July 2002, registration cancelled on 8 December 2002. Also on US register as N252KA, dates not certain.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-January-07 Taken on Strength TOS 07 Jan 1954 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-26
   1984-May-09 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 212

Otter 3674,

s/n 3674

m/d DHC 3

c/n 32

3674

With No. 438 Squadron (Auxiliary) at St. Hubert, Quebec. To Canadian Armed forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-March-22 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1968-February-16 Struck off Strength Struck off, after crashing at Lake Memphramagog, PQ on 7 January 1968. SOS 16 Feb/68 per Griffin 2005. 2020-10-02
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120

Otter 3675,

s/n 3675

m/d DHC 3

c/n 33

3675

In UN markings, for use in Middle East by 115 (AT) Unit. Destroyed in crash in Egypt on 15 April 1957.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-January-25 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1957-May-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3676,

s/n 3676

m/d DHC 3

c/n 34

3676

With No. 121 (C&R) Flight, RCAF Station Sea Island, BC. One of two Otters burned on that date on 4 May 1954 in a hanger fire.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-January-25 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1954-May-19 Struck off Strength Struck off, after burning at Sea Island on 4 May 1954. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3677,

s/n 3677

m/d DHC 3

c/n 35

3677

Operated in Middle East in UN markings in 1950s and 1960s. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Used by No. 418 Air Reserve Squadron at CFB Namao, Alberta. Registered to Government of Ontario when sold, as C-GOFA. Registration cancelled 1986. To US register as N511BW. Later re-imported, as C-FXGA, with Air Caribou of Goose Bay from 2002; Air Saguenay of Jonquire, Quebec from 22 August 2002; and Nordplus of Quebec from 5 September 2003. Exported to New Zealand in 2004.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-March-31 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1977-March-30 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 216

Otter 3678,

s/n 3678

m/d DHC 3

c/n 36

3678

With No. 408 (P) Squadron at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario in 1953. Temporary detachment to Goose Bay in summer of 1954 with this Squadron. Also with 115 (AT) Unit, dates not known. Operating for UNEF when it crashed on 30 April 1966. Lt. P.M.L. Picard killed.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-April-09 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1966-September-01 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1966-April-28 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Richard Vaughan Edwards 2023-07-19
1966-April-30 KIFA RCAF Flight Lieutenant Paul Maxillien Lucien Picard 2023-07-19
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3679,

s/n 3679

m/d DHC 3

c/n 37

3679

With No. 408 (P) Squadron at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario. Temporary detachment to Goose Bay in summer of 1954 with this Squadron. Transferred to Indian AF, their serial BM-1001. Delivered on 24 April 1963, taken on strength on 10 August 1963. Later on US register as a Turbo-Otter, N606KA, registered to Kenmore Air of Seattle.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-March-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1963-March-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3680,

s/n 3680

m/d DHC 3

c/n 38

3680

Used by No. 121 (S&R) Flight at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC, coded "QT*680". Sold to RCMP, became CF-MPK. Later registered as CF-EBX, then C-FEBX, crashed at Goose Bay in 1981, repaired, still with RCMP until 9 December 1985. Sold to Vincent Courville of Montreal, registration cancelled 29 May 1986. To McMurray Flight Centre of Fort McMurray, Alberta, registration cancelled on 18 June 1986. Later to Queen Charlotte Helicopters of Nanaimo, BC, registration cancelled 13 January 1988; to I&J Logging of Campbel River, BC, registration cancelled on 24 February 1988. To Harbour Air of Richmond, BC, registration cancelled on 18 April 1988. Received Vasar turboprop conversion late 1989. To Western Straits Air, owned by Gynn Bay Logging of Campbell River, registration cancelled on 15 June 1996. Had flown into rising ground NW of Campbell River in bad weather on 27 September 1995. 7 fatalities, 2 serioulsy injured.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-April-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1964-October-27 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal for sale. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 1968 633

Otter 3681,

s/n 3681

m/d DHC 3

c/n 39

3681

To Goose Bay station flight on 30 January 1957, as replacement for 3684. Had Search and Rescue and Homing (SARAH) equipment installed. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Used by No. 401 Air Reserve Squadron at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec. Registered to Government of Ontario when sold, registered as C-GOFB in 1978, registration cancelled on 5 July 1985. To Expressair RL of Hull, Quebec, registration cancelled on 26 June 1986. To Roger Lachapelle Pontiac and Buick of Hull on 14 July 1986, registration cancelled on 14 May 1994. To Watson's Algoma Vacations of Wawa, Ontario, registration cancelled on 6 March 2000. Converted to turboporop about this time, registered to Watson's Skyways of Wawa on 6 March 2000.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-April-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1977-March-30 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 216

Otter 3682,

s/n 3682

m/d DHC 3

c/n 40

3682

Served at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC with No. 121 (Comm) Flight. Later extensively modified, in several steps, for STOL research in joint Defense Research Board / de Havilland Canada project. Included modified wing, tail and undercarriage. Ground tests and towed tests from March 1958. First test flight from Downsview on 27 August 1959. Ducted J-85 jet engine fitted in fuselage at one point. First flight in this configuration on 18 December 1961, by DHC pilot R. Fowler. Final version had twin PT6 turboprops mounted on wings, first flight with 2 engines on 7 March 1963. Last RCAF/DRB flight on 15 July 1965. To civil register for further tests when struck off? Scrapped on 7 May 1967.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-April-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1967-March-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3683,

s/n 3683

m/d DHC 3

c/n 44

3683

Operated in UN colours, dates unknown. Leased to RCMP, as CF-MPU, November 1958 to 7 February 1962. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Used by No. 402 Air Reserve Squadron at CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba. To Government of Ontario when sold, registered as C-GOFC in September 1978. Registration cancelled in 1986. To US register as N10704. With Northern Aircraft Leasing of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, converted to turboprop.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-September-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1977-March-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 216

Otter 3684,

s/n 3684

m/d DHC 3

c/n 45

3684

Photographed in UN colours, possibly while still with manufacturer. Initially delivered to No. 6 Repair Depot at Trenton as a spare aircraft. To No. 408 (P) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe on 9 April 1956. To Goose Bay station flight in September 1956, replacing 3661. Broke through ice on landing at Postville, Labrador on 15 December 1956, was delivering mail and supplies. Damaged during recovery, and declared Category A.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1957-March-11 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3685,

s/n 3685

m/d DHC 3

c/n 46

3685

Delivered new to storage at No. 6 repair Depot, Trenton, as a reserve aircraft. Operated by No. 103 (R) Unit at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS from June 1956, coded "QZ*685". Operated in support of Springhill mine disaster on November 1956. Category B damage on 2 November 1956, nosed over on landing on grass at Greenwood on return from Springhill. To Cld Lake Station Flight in June 1957 after repairs, operated on amphibious floats. Category B damage on 15 July 1958, landed gear down on a lkae during training mission and flipped. To Lincoln Park, Alberta, for repair by Canadian Pacific Airlines. Back to No. 103 RU at Greenwood in March 1959. To storage at No. 6 Repair Depot at Trenton on 24 November 1962. Used by auxiliary or reserve squadrons at RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario, including No. 400 Squadron (Auxiliary) from September 1964. Also used by No. 424 Squadron at Hamilton, dates not known. Struck a ditch during short field landing at Olinville Airstrip, Camp Gagetown, NB on 20 June 1965. Flown by crew from No. 411 (Aux) Squadron at this time. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Used by both Air Reserve Squadrons at Downsview, No. 400 and No. 411. Struck a tree on 3 May 1968, while with 411 Sdn., completed flight. Damaged when it struck a snow drift while landing at Bon Echo Lake on 6 February 1970 in gray out conditions. Trucked to Trenton, as sold "as is". Later became CF-QOQ. Several wrecks and major rebuilds while in civil use across Canada. Owners included Air North Charter and Training of Whitehorse, Yukon, registration cancelled 6 June 1984; Waglista Air of Richmond BC from 21 August 1984 to 8 May 1997; Air Saguenay (1980) of Chicoutimi, Quebec from that date to 10 November 2000; and Lakeland Aviaition of Fort Frances, Ontario from 24 December 2004. Sold to Talkeetna Air Taxi of Talkeetna, Alaska in August 2005. Converted to Turbo Otter, operating as N565TA from 25 April 2006.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-December-09 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1971-February-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 209

Otter 3686,

s/n 3686

m/d DHC 3

c/n 52

3686

Fitted with Search and Rescue and Homing (SARAH) equipment. Sold to RCMP, became CF-MPO. With Mounties from 9 August 1965 to 30 September 1992. sold, as C-FMPO, to Direct North Airways. Later with Walsten Air Services. Registration cancelled in 1996, after crashing on landing on 20 September 1995.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1964-October-27 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 1968 633

Otter 3687,

s/n 3687

m/d DHC 3

c/n 53

3687


last update: 2025-March-10
   1954-October-21 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-May-10 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A damage on 18 March 1956 at Knob Lake. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3688,

s/n 3688

m/d DHC 3

c/n 55

3688

Used at RCAF Station Cold Lake, Alberta. Transferred to Indian AF, their serial BM-1000. Taken on strength on 10 August 1963.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-November-08 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1963-March-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3689,

s/n 3689

m/d DHC 3

c/n 56

3689

Fitted with Search and Rescue and Homing (SARAH) equipment. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. With No. 401 Squadron (Auxiliary) at time of crash. Lt. R.E. Ehrne killed.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-December-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1971-December-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, after crashing at CFB Gagetown, NB on 2 May 1971. 2019-08-20
1971-May-02 KIFA RCAF Lieutenant Ronald Edward Ehrne 2023-05-21
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120

Otter 3690,

s/n 3690

m/d DHC 3

c/n 57

3690

Used at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario. One of five RCAF Otters transferred to Indian AF, their serial BM-1002, marked as "690B". and taken on strength 10 August 1963.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-November-18 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1963-March-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3691,

s/n 3691

m/d DHC 3

c/n 58

3691

Used by auxiliary or reserve squadrons at RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Used by No. 424 (T&R) Squadron at CFB Trenton, Ontario. Registered to Government of Ontario on 7 July 1978, as C-GOFD. Registration cancelled 1984. To US register as N100BW, operated by Rainbow King Lodge of Alaska.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-December-09 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1977-March-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 216

Otter 3692,

s/n 3692

m/d DHC 3

c/n 59

3692

Used by de Havilland Canada to test 4 bladed wooden propellors at Downsview in 1958. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Operated by No. 438 and No. 401 Air Reserve Squadrons at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec. Fitted with VIP interior. To CFD Mountain View for strorage in March 1982, had 7,752:00 airframe time. Sold to Newcal Aviation, ferried to Decatur, Texas, stored outside. Sold to Aeronautical Services in 1987, registered as N2634Y. Flown to Sidney, BC, (former RCAF Station Patricia Bay) for overhaul, conversion to freighter, and repaint by Victoria Air Maintenance. Work completed April 1988. Canadian registration C-FBNI issued for test flights. Operated in San Juan Islands for several years. Sold to Points North Air Services of La Ronge, Saskatchewan on 31 May 2001. Registered as C-GIWQ, registration cancelled on 7 September 2001.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-December-08 Taken on Strength 2020-10-02
   1981-December-09 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 219

Otter 3693,

s/n 3693

m/d DHC 3

c/n 60

3693

Transferred to US Navy, (from 12 September 1955?) became U-1B BuNo 144259. Replaced by Otter 3743. Damaged while being offloaded from a ship on 3 February 1956, not repaired. Intended for use by VX-6 in Antartica, had 29 hours airframe time when struck off.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-December-08 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-November-27 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3694,

s/n 3694

m/d DHC 3

c/n 61

3694

Fitted with Search and Rescue and Homing (SARAH) equipment. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Used by No. 438 Air Reserve Squadron at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec. Registered to government of Ontario as C-GOFE in July 1978. Registration cancelled in 1985. To US register as N61FE, operated by Rainbow King Lodge of Alaska.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1955-January-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1977-March-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 216

Otter 3695,

s/n 3695

m/d DHC 3

c/n 62

3695

Transferred to US Navy, (from 12 September 1955?) became U-1B BuNo 144260. Replaced by Otter 3744. Used by VX-6 in Antartica. Crashed into summit of mountain on Edward VII Peninsula in Antarctica 8 February 1956.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1954-December-27 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-November-27 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3696,

s/n 3696

m/d DHC 3

c/n 63

3696

With No. 111 (C&R) Flight at Winnipeg in the mid 1950s. To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial. With No. 438 Air Reserve Squadron, CFB St. Hubert, Quebec at time of crash.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1955-January-28 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1969-June-12 Struck off Strength Struck off, after crashing east of Abercorn, PQ on 17 April 1969 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120

Otter 3697,

s/n 3697

m/d DHC 3

c/n 64

3697

Fitted with Search and Rescue and Homing (SARAH) equipment. Based at Fort Churchill, Manitoba with base Rescue Unit. Often used SARAH to track and recover missle nose cones from the Fort Churchill launch site. To Canadian register as CF-SME, registered to Government of Saskatchewan in February 1965. Off register by 1976.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1955-January-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1965-February-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 1968 635

Otter 3698,

s/n 3698

m/d DHC 3

c/n 65

3698

To Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. With No. 438 Air Reserve Squadron at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec. Registered to Government of Ontario, as C-GOFF, in September 1978. This registration cancelled on 9 August 1985. Subsequent owners include Thousand Lake Airways of Upsala, Ontario until 8 May 1990; Ignace Airways of Thunder Bay, Ontario until 8 October 1996; and Huron Air of Armstrong, Ontario from 20 November 1998. Converted to turboprop early 2003. Registration cancelled in 2005, reported destroyed.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1955-February-16 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1977-March-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265 | 2005 120 | 2005 216

Otter 3699,

s/n 3699

m/d DHC 3

c/n 66

3699

Transferred to US Navy, (from 12 September 1955?) became U-1B BuNo 144261. Replaced by Otter 3745. Used by VX-6 in Antartica. Crashed 2 July 1956.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1955-January-18 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1956-November-27 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 265

Otter 3743, CSR-123

s/n 3743

m/d DHC 3

c/n 183

3743

Operated in Middle East in UN markings in late 1950s, having been delivered to Port Said, Egypt onboard HMCS Magnificent on 17 January 1957. With No. 30 AMB(?) at RCAF Station Langar, UK. Possibly used by No. 137 (Transport) Flight? To civil register as CF-WJB when sold. Registered to Labrador Airways of Goose Bay, Newfoundland in 1976. Later to Cargair Ltee of Quebec, their registration cancelled in 1982. To US register as N435B, converted to PZL engine by then. This may have been the prototype PZL conversion.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1956-December-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1965-July-02 Struck off Strength (? date) Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. Date also reported as 21 November 1965. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 266 | 1968 637

Otter 3744, CSR-123

s/n 3744

m/d DHC 3

c/n 185

3744

Purchased to replace 3695, after it was loaned to USN. Operated by 115 (AT) Unit in the Middle East, for the UN.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1956-December-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1958-December-19 Struck off Strength Struck off, after crashing in Egypt on 19 September 1958. 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 266

Otter 3745, CSR-123

s/n 3745

m/d DHC 3

c/n 188

3745

Purchased to replace 3699, after it was loaned to USN. Used By No. 411 and 400 Squadrons, RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario, from the 1960s. Also with No. 402 Squadron (Auxiliary) at Winnipeg, dates not known. Transferred to Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, retained RCAF serial number. Sold, registered to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as C-GOFG in June 1979. Registration cancelled in 1983.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1956-December-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1977-March-30 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 266 | 2005 120 | 2005 216

Otter 9401,

s/n 9401

m/d DHC 3

c/n 356

9401

Used by auxiliary squadrons at RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario, delivered there in May 1960. Crashed by crew from No. 411 (Aux) Squadron during cross wind take off at Guelph, Ontario on 30 May 1961. Struck several vehicles. Became Instructional Airframe A703 on 14 February 1966. To Canadian Armed Forces on Integration. Final fate not clear.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-March-18 Taken on Strength 2020-10-07
   1961-August-09 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
   1966-February-14 Classified Instructional CA A 703 2020-06-08
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 1968 492

Otter 9402,

s/n 9402

m/d DHC 3

c/n 357

9402

Used by No. 411 (Aux) Squadron, RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario, in 1960s. To Summer Camp at Fredericton, NB in 1964 with this squadron. With No. 401 Squadron at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec after Integration. To civil register as C-GVMC, registered to King's Construction of Grimshaw, Alberta. This registration cancelled on 17 July 1985, aircraft reported as exported to the US. Back to Canadian register as C-FHAA, on 29 November 2002. Registered to Harbour Air of Richmond, BC. Still active with them in 2011, with turbine engine.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-March-18 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1982-January-20 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 217

Otter 9403,

s/n 9403

m/d DHC 3

c/n 359

9403

Served with No. 402 Squadron (Auxiliary), at Stevenson Field, Manitoba from the 1960s. Still with this Squadron after Integration. Capt. J.G.A.J. Petiti killed in aan inceident with this aircraft on 20 December 1980, while it was being operatred by No. 438 Air Reserve Squadron. To civil register as C-GMLB. Owned by a variety of commercial operators in northern Ontario, including 382820 Ontario Ltd. In late 1980s, Huron Air and Waweig Lake Outfitters in 1990s, and Wilderness North Air in 2000. Converted to turboprop by 2002, when it was exported to the US. On US register as N10708, registered to Northern Aircraft Leasing of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Back to Canada by 2004 as C-GMLB, with Wilderness North Air. Registration to Fort Francis Sportsmen Airways cancelled on 22 April 2015.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-March-18 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1981-December-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
1980-December-20 KIFA RCAF Captain Joseph Rene Gilles Dessureau CD 2023-06-07
1980-December-20 KIFA RCAF Captain Joseph George Arthur Jean Petit 2023-06-14
1980-December-20 KIFA RCAF Major Ernest Eugene Ross 2023-06-14
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 219

Otter 9404,

s/n 9404

m/d DHC 3

c/n 361

9404

Used by No. 411 (Aux) Squadron, RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario, in 1960s. To Summer Camp at Fredericton, NB in 1964 with this squadron. Damaged in heavy landing at Fredericton, 14 July 1964. With No. 400 Squadron (Auxiliary) at Downsview in 1965. Also used by No. 418 Squadron (Auxiliary) at RCAF Station Namao, Alberta, in 1960s. Still at Namao at Integration. To civil register as C-GVDM, numerous owners. Registered to L. Bowerman of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan on 4 April 2007.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-May-19 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1982-March-10 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 217

Otter 9405,

s/n 9405

m/d DHC 3

c/n 363

9405

Used By No. 411 Squadron, RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. Served with No. 402 Squadron (Auxiliary), at Stevenson Field, Manitoba from the 1960s. Became Instructional Airframe A704 on 4 March 1966, used as instructional aid until struck off. To civil register as C-GSMG. Converted to PZL engine. Owners included Sioux Narrows Airways of Winnipeg. With Blue Water Aviation Services from 2011, based at Silver Falls, Manitoba. This registration cancelled on 8 January 2015.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-May-19 Taken on Strength TOS 19 May 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. Inv Card shows posting to squadron 24 May 1960, but possible TOS 10 May, so deferred to Griffin date. 2020-10-22
   1966-March-04 Classified Instructional CA A 704 2020-06-08
   1981-December-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 1968 492 | 2005 122 | 2005 216

Otter 9406,

s/n 9406

m/d DHC 3

c/n 365

9406

With No. 438 Squadron (Auxiliary) at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec in 1960s. Also with No. 424 Squadron, dates not known. With No. 401 Squadron at CFB St. Hubert after Integration. To civil register as C-GUTL. Reported converted to turboprop, but always listed as piston powered in Canadian registry records. Owners included Nahini Aviation of Norman Wells, NWT in the 1980s, and Fort Frances Sportsmen Airways of Fort Frances, Ontario from 1984 to 1989. Their registration cancelled on 30 May 1989, aircraft was exported. Registered as HK-3048X in Columbia. Back to Fort Francis Sportsman Airways on 27 June 2013, again as C-GUTL.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-June-03 Taken on Strength TOS 03 June 1960 per Inv Card & Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-22
   1981-December-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 217

Otter 9407,

s/n 9407

m/d DHC 3

c/n 368

9407

Used by No. 418 (Aux) Squadron, Edmonton, Alberta, in 1960s. Crashed in mountains near Newburgh, NY on 20 December 1980. Had just departed Newburgh-Stewart Airport, en route to Rockcliffe, struck high ground on Slide Mountain. All 4 occupants killed.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-June-03 Taken on Strength TOS 03 June 1960 per Inv Card & Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-22
   1981-November-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, scrapped 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122

Otter 9408,

s/n 9408

m/d DHC 3

c/n 370

9408

Used by No. 418 (Aux) Squadron, Edmonton, Alberta, in 1960s. Also with reserve squadron at Montreal, no dates. Delivered to National Aviation Museum in Ottawa on 29 September 1983. Still at Rockcliffe Museum in 2015, in RCAF Transport Command markings. Kept in Reserve Hanger.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-July-05 Taken on Strength TOS 05 July 1960 per Inv Card & Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-22
   1983-August-11 Struck off Strength Struck off, transferred to Museum 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122

Otter 9409,

s/n 9409

m/d DHC 3

c/n 375

9409

Served with No. 401 (Auxiliary) Squadron at St. Hubert, Quebec, from 1960s. With No. 438 Squadron (Auxiliary) at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec in 1960s. Used by No. 442 and No. 443 Squadrons at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC in 1960s. To civil register as CF-QOR, registered to Buffalo Airways of Fort Smith, NWT. Marked as C-FQOR when sold to Bannock Aerospace of Toronto in 1982. Their registration canceled in April 1984, aircraft exported to the US.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-July-19 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1971-February-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 209

Otter 9410,

s/n 9410

m/d DHC 3

c/n 380

9410

Used by auxiliary or reserve squadrons at RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. With No. 442 Squadron (Auxiliary) at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC, in 1960s. Operated by No. 442 (Aux) Squadron when it forced landed on floats in Gulf of Georgia, near French Creek, following an engine failure on 12 December 1962. Towed into Parksville for repairs, returned to Vancouver on 15 December 1962. No record of civil registration after being sold, may have been scrapped.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-July-22 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1975-February-27 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122

Otter 9411,

s/n 9411

m/d DHC 3

c/n 384

9411

With No. 102 (C) Unit at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario in 1962. Used By No. 411 Squadron, RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario, dates not known. Crashed on 19 May 1974, south-east of Baudette, Minnesota.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-July-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1974-October-16 Struck off Strength Struck off, scrapped 2019-08-20
1974-May-19 KIFA RCAF Captain John Ernest Reeve CD 2023-06-23
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122

Otter 9412,

s/n 9412

m/d DHC 3

c/n 387

9412

Used By No. 411 Squadron, RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. With No. 401 Squadron at St. Hubert, dates not known. To civil register as C-GIIQ. Owners included Silver Pine Air Services of Pine Falls, Manitoba (registration cancelled on 30 December 1984); and Jackson Air Services of Flin Flon, Manitoba (registration cancelled 22 April 2001). Stored, derelict, at Flin Flon in 2004. Registered to Recon Air Corp. of Geraldton, Ontario on 21 December 2006. Their registration cancelled on 17 September 2007, exported to the US.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-August-29 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 29 Aug 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1982-May-27 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 215

Otter 9413,

s/n 9413

m/d DHC 3

c/n 389

9413

Delivered new to No. 438 Squadron at St. Hubert, Quebec on 6 September 1960. To No. 401 Squadron at St. Hubert in November 1960. Category B damage on 9 September 1962 in a heavy landing during simulated engine out landings at St. Hubert. Ferried to Downsview for repairs on 14 September 1962. To storage at Dunnville, Ontario when completed. To No. 411 Squadron, RCAF Downsview, Ontario, to replace 9425 in late 1963. Towed banner over Toronto during that city's centennial celebration, 1 July 1967. To Fort Drum, NY for training in September 1974. Flipped during attempted takeoff from sand bar in Duke of York River, Southhampton Island, NWT on 17 July 1975, landing inverted in the river. Investigation faulted pilot for not determining length of available surface before attempting taking off in unfavourable winds at near maximum weight. Investigation was hampered by escape of a number or recently caught fish into the river, preventing determination of aircraft weight at time of crash. Engine recovered, airframe abandoned, still there.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-September-13 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1975-November-10 Struck off Strength Struck off, abandoned at crash site 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122

Otter 9414,

s/n 9414

m/d DHC 3

c/n 391

9414

With NO. 438 Squadron at St. Hubert when it crashed on 13 October 1961.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-September-16 Taken on Strength 2020-10-08
   1961-October-18 Struck off Strength Struck off, probably scrapped 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356

Otter 9415,

s/n 9415

m/d DHC 3

c/n 393

9415

Served with No. 402 Squadron (Auxiliary), at Stevenson Field, Manitoba from the 1960s. With this unit when it visited Mt. Hope, Ontario on skiis, on 21 January 1968. Also used By No. 411 Squadron, RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario from the 1960s. Nosed over while landing in heavy winds at Buttonville Airport, Ontario on 22 October 1966. Deployed to Arctic, including Churchill, Manitoba, with No. 411 Squadron detachment in the summer of 1973, Exercise Aurora II. Used by Skyhawk jump team for training at Port Colburne, Ontario. Made 40 drops on 26 August 1975. Still in use with this squadron 1976. To Shepard Bay, NWT, in summer of 1977 to support CF engineers building new runway at nearby Spence Bay. Made trans Canada flight with 411 Squadron, Goose Bay Newfoundland to Victoria BC, August to September 1981, just before fleet was retired. To civil register as C-GVMH, registered to Estabrook Construction of Grimshaw, Alberta. To M. Hackman of South Edmonton in 1983. This registration cancelled in October 1984, when aircraft was exported to the US. Back in Canada, registered as C-GVTO, in March 2001. This registration cancelled in April 2004, when the aircraft was exported to the Maldives. Appears to have been on lease, owned by Viking Air of Sidney, BC. Back on Canadian register as C-GVTO in 2004, registered to Viking Air. With Harbour Air of Richmond, BC from October 2007, registered as C-FJHA. Converted to turboprop by Viking Air by then.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-October-04 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 04 Oct 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1982-January-20 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 217

Otter 9416,

s/n 9416

m/d DHC 3

c/n 394

9416

Served with No. 402 Squadron (Auxiliary), at Stevenson Field, Manitoba from the 1960s. Used by auxiliary or reserve squadrons at RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario, including No. 400 Squadron (Auxiliary) from the 1960s. Still in use at Downsview in 1976. To US register as N3125N, registered to Charlie, Inc. of Fairbanks, Alaska. On Canadian register as C-FAXD in 1988, registered to Victoria Air Maintenance of Sidney, BC. With Alaska Air Taxi by 2003 as N3125N, converted to turboprop. Suffered two in-flight failures of the starboard elevator servo tab skin in 2014 and 2015, producing severe vibrations and causing precautionary landings.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-October-04 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 04 Oct 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1981-July-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 219

Otter 9417,

s/n 9417

m/d DHC 3

c/n 396

9417

With No. 401 Squadron at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec when it suffered a Category A crash near Lac des Chats, Quebec at about 16:00 local time on 2 October 1981. Was en route from St. Hubert to Lac St. Francois Xavier to pick up cargo left there during a previous exercise. Struck high terrain on the edge of the lake, destroyed by post impact fire. 3 fatalities: Maj. Carlo Liberatore, Maj. Yvon Bourdeau of No. 438 Squadron, and Officer Cadet Celine Lacroix.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-October-19 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 19 Oct 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1982-November-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, probably scrapped 2019-08-20
1981-October-02 KIFA RCAF Captain Yvon Joseph Cheri Alphonse Bourdeau 2024-11-15
1981-October-02 KIFA RCAF Officer Cadet Celine Marie Therese Lacroix 2020-08-27
1981-October-02 KIFA RCAF Major Carlo Liberatore CD 2023-06-14
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122

Otter 9418,

s/n 9418

m/d DHC 3

c/n 398

9418

Used by No. 418 (Aux) Squadron, RCAF Station Namao, Alberta, in 1960s. Still at Namao at Integration. Sold, became CF-QOS. With Air Mistassini of Chibougamau, Quebec until 1982. Registered briefly with Soc. Tourisme Baie James of Montreal that year, then to Air Melancon of St. Anne du Lac, Quebec. Converted to turboprop, and marked C-FQOS, by the time their registration was cancelled on 24 June 1998. To Labrador Airways of Goose Bay, Newfoundland on that day. Their last registration cancelled in 2002, aircraft was reported exported to the US on 26 May 2008.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-November-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1971-February-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 209

Otter 9419,

s/n 9419

m/d DHC 3

c/n 399

9419

With No. 401 Squadron at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec. Fuselage stored outside at CFD Mountain View, Ontario in September 2007. Reported as marked 1239419, but not confirmed.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-November-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1970-September-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122

Otter 9420,

s/n 9420

m/d DHC 3

c/n 401

9420

With No. 442 Squadron (Auxiliary) at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC, in 1960s. Used By No. 411 Squadron, RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. Operated on floats in mid 1960s. Lost rudder after striking a wire during low level training, September 1974. Landed without further incident. To Muskoka, Ontario for Exercise Snow Owl II, 1975, still based at Downsview. To civil registry as C-GBQC. With Ram Air Charter of Inuvik, NWT, their registration cancelled on 23 June 1983. Operated by Fort Frances Sportsmen Airways Ltd. of Fort Frances, Ontario from 12 June 1984 to 29 March 2012. Then to Ookpik Aviation of Baker Lake, Nunavut.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-November-01 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 01 Nov 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1981-July-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 214

Otter 9421,

s/n 9421

m/d DHC 3

c/n 402

9421

With No. 424 (Aux) Squadron at Hamilton, Ontario in early 1960s. Later used by both Reserve Squadrons at CFB Downsview, Ontario (401 and 411 Squadrons). Deployed to Arctic, including Churchill, Manitoba, with No. 411 Squadron detachment in the summer of 1973, Exercise Aurora II. Sold, became KH-3049X in Columbia. Later to Canadian registry as C-GUTQ. With Nahannii Air Services of Norman Wells, NWT, their registration cancelled on 29 June 1984. Then to St-Louis Aviation of St. Jean-Sur-Richelieu, their registration cancelled on 27 June 1986. Registered to Air Saguenay (1980) Inc. of Chicoutimi, Quebec. Briefly with Northern Lights Air Services of Goose Bay, Newfoundland in 1996, possibly on lease. Then back to Air Saguenay, their latest registration cancelled on 7 May 2003, when the aircraft was reportedly based at Lac Sebastien, Quebec
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-November-15 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 15 Nov 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1981-December-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 217

Otter 9422,

s/n 9422

m/d DHC 3

c/n 404

9422

With No. 424 (Aux) Squadron at Hamilton, Ontario in early 1960s. Operated by this unit on wheel/skiis in winter of 1962/63. Used By Reserve Squadrons, CFB Downsview, Ontario. Visited Wright-Patterson AFB in August 1980. To civil register as C-GFUT. Owned by Buffalo Airways of Fort Smith, NWT, their registration cancelled on 22 September 1982. With Cargair of Quebec City from 1983 to 1998. Owned by Nordplus of Quebec City, Quebec from 20 August 1998, their latest registration issued on 6 October 2009, when the aircraft was based at Shefferville, Quebec.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-November-15 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 15 Nov 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1981-December-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 215

Otter 9423,

s/n 9423

m/d DHC 3

c/n 405

9423

With No. 438 Squadron (Auxiliary) at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec in 1960s. Served with No. 424 Squadron at CFB Trenton, Ontario, late 1960s. Used for first trials with 32 foot TU type parachute deployment bag, while with this unit. Served in UN colours in Kashmir and New Guinea. In New Guinea from September 1962, on amphibious floats, operated by No. 116 (AT) Unit. Shipped there inside a C-130. Used by auxiliary or reserve squadrons at RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. Deployed to Artic, including Churchill, Manitoba, with No. 411 Squadron detachment in the summer of 1973, for Exercise Aurora II. Delivered material for community centre building donated to Baker Lake, NWT by the squadron. To Shepard Bay, NWT, in summer of 1977 to support CF engineers building new runway at nearby Spence Bay. To civil register as C-GUTW. With Nahanni Air Services of Norman Wells, NWT, this registration cancelled on 29 June 1984. With Goose Bay Air Services of Goose Bay Newfoundland, this registration cancelled on 24 July 1985. To St. Louis Aviation of St. Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec, this registration cancelled on 3 June 1986. Registered to Nakina Outpost Camps & Air Services of Nakina, Ontario from 14 July 1986 to 14 June 1991. With Harbour Air of Richmond, BC from 14 June 1991, their latest registration issued on 10 February 2004. Reported with Vazar turboprop conversion, but Canadian registry records always indicate piston engined. Also registered as HK-3050X in Columbia, dates not known.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-November-28 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 28 Nov 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1981-December-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 217

Otter 9424,

s/n 9424

m/d DHC 3

c/n 407

9424

Operated in UN colours in New Guinea. Used by auxiliary or reserve squadrons at RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. With No. 438 Squadron at CFB St. Hubert, Quebec. To US register as N3125S, registered to Kenmore Air Harbour of Seattle, Washington from 1988. Converted to turboprop in 1992, but current US register shows it as piston powered. (Online photos show turbine fitted, 2003 to 2015 at least.) Current airworthiness expires in 2018.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1960-December-09 Taken on Strength TOS changed to 09 Dec 1960 per Griffin2005 Numerical Registry. 2020-10-23
   1981-July-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 2005 122 | 2005 219

Otter 9425,

s/n 9425

m/d DHC 3

c/n 408

9425

Delivers to No. 6 Repair Depot as a spare aircraft, stored at Dunnville, Ontario. To No. 411 Squadron, RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario on 8 February 1962. Also used by No. 400 Squadron at Downsview. Damaged on 6 September 1963 when it over ran on landing on a small grass strip north of Toronto, striking trees. Replaced by Otter 9413. Back to storage at Dunnville, transferred "as is" to the BC government. Registered as CF-BCG, to BC Department of Highways, on 4 June 1965. Sold to Burrard Air of Port Moody, BC in February 1983. To Red Baron Leasing of Anchorage, Alaska in July 1986, registered as N666SA. Back to Canadian register as C-FBCG in April 1988, with Aerokon Aviation of Whitehorse, Yukon. Crashed after loss of power on takeoff on 29 May 1990 at Pelly Crossing, Yukon. Destroyed by post crash fire.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1961-January-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1965-April-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 356 | 1968 611

Otter 9426,

s/n 9426

m/d DHC 3

c/n 409

9426

Used by auxiliary or reserve squadrons at RCAF/CFB Downsview, Ontario. Served with No. 401 (Auxiliary) Squadron at St. Hubert, Quebec, from 1960s. Used by No. 438 Squadron at CFB St. Hubert after Integration. To US register, first as N3125U to Newcal Aviation. Several subsequent owners. Back to Canada 1996 to 1998, registered to Quality Aircraft Sales as C-FLDD. Converted to turboprop. Operated by Pantechnicon Aviation of Portland, Oregon, registered to them in 1999 as N409PA. Collided with a Beaver of the same operator on 19 August 2002 near Ketchikan, Alaska, made emergency landing with no injuries. Still registered in 2015.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1961-January-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1981-December-09 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 357 | 2005 122 | 2005 219

Otter 9427,

s/n 9427

m/d DHC 3

c/n 410

9427

With No. 438 Squadron (Auxiliary) at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec in 1960s. Category A crash while with this unit, on 13 February 1965. Reported cut up at Oshawa, but apparently at least some parts survived. Later became CF-VVY, registered to Northern Wings of Sept Isle, Quebec in 1967. Registered as C-FVVY to Propair of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec 1982 to 1989. With Big River Air of Fort Smith, NWT in 1999. Current owner in 2015 is Air Roberval Ltee of Roberval, Quebec, registered to them on 28 November 2008.
last update: 2024-December-25
   1961-January-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   1965-May-19 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 357 | 1968 637