Wardair Boeing 747 Overruns Runway at Windsor (CYQG) – March 1974

Many of you may be surprised to learn that Wardair flew Boeing 747 aircraft out of Windsor in the ’70’s.

The Boeing 747 first flew in 1968 and really ushered in the era of the ‘Jumbo Jet’ and revolutionized the long haul travel industry. Seeing the aircraft parked at airports drew crowds due to its unique profile and large size.

Wardair was a very successful Canadian Charter airline founded by former RCAF Flight Instructor and bush pilot, Max Ward.

The aircraft involved in this incident caried the registration CF-DJC and was the first Boeing 747 aicraft operated by Wardair and joined the Wardair fleet in April1973. The model type was a Boeing 747-100.

During one such arrival in Windsor (CYQG) on March 29/1974 Boeing 747 (CF-DJC) overran runway 25 and was stuck in mud. The flight was lightly loaded with 80 passengers and was enroute to Windsor to pick up another 223 passengers.