01/31/2009. CF-MEL was delivered to D.D.Thompson Aviation of Montreal, Quebec on 5th June 1957, and subsequently leased to Northern Wings. In October 1961 the Otter was sold to Lamb Airways (later Lambair) of The Pas, Manitoba. On December 1, 1971, the aircraft (fitted with wheel-skis) was substantially damaged when it crashed on takeoff at Whale Cove, Northwest Territories. The aircraft was repaired and returned to service, reregistered C-FMEL.

Following the collapse of Lambair on February 18, 1981, the aircraft was sold to Ontario Central Airlines (renamed Nunasi Central Airlines in June 1984) of Red Lake, Ontario. On January 15, 1985, the aircraft crashed at Red Lake, damaging its propeller and main landing gear. After repairs the Otter entered service with Green Airways, also of Red Lake, in February 1986. In September 1994 it was sold to Cargair, St.Michel-des-Saints, Quebec, returning to Red Lake when sold to Wildcountry Airways in August 1995.

On June 16, 1996, following an emergency landing after an in-flight fire, the aircraft was consumed by fire, the pilot and one of the six passengers sustained burning wounds. View also photo 5917.