Accident Details
On a night instrument flight rules charter flight from Edmonton, Alberta, to Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan, a Piper Navajo Chieftain PA-31-350 (serial number 31-7952072) with one pilot and six passengers encountered difficulties during approach. The pilot conducted two non-directional beacon (NDB) approaches, both missed. At approximately 2200 central standard time, while maneuvering to land on runway 06, the aircraft struck trees 3.5 nautical miles west of the runway 06 button and about one quarter nautical mile left of the runway centerline, at an altitude of 1200 feet above sea level. The aircraft sustained substantial damage but no fire occurred. The pilot and one passenger were seriously injured; the other five passengers sustained minor injuries.
Aircraft and Weight
Examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical malfunctions that could have contributed to the accident. Records indicate the aircraft was maintained and certified per regulations. However, weight analysis showed the aircraft exceeded the maximum allowable take-off weight of 7368 pounds by approximately 115 pounds. At the time of the crash, it was 225 pounds below the maximum landing weight of 7000 pounds. The center of gravity was slightly aft of the rear limit, out of envelope by about half an inch. The pilot estimated passenger and baggage weights, as no scale was available in Edmonton.
Weather and Navigation
Weather at the time of the accident was reported as ceiling 300 feet above ground level (agl), three statute miles visibility, winds calm, and temperature minus 11 degrees Celsius. After the accident, conditions deteriorated to a ceiling of 200 feet agl and one statute mile visibility due to fog over the nearby river. The NDB at Stony Rapids was serviceable, and runway lights were functioning. Following his second missed approach, the pilot initially headed for Fond-du-Lac, Saskatchewan, but changed course after momentarily sighting the runway, reverting to a visual approach. While attempting to fly under the cloud base and line up for runway 06, he encountered higher ground and poor visibility, leading to tree contact with a descent angle of approximately four degrees.
Rescue and Injuries
Canadian Forces search and rescue specialists were air-dropped to the site at 0300; local ground parties later assisted. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activated on impact and helped locate the survivors. The rescue coordination center deployed a C-130 Hercules from Winnipeg. The command post was established per the company's emergency response plan. The pilot and seriously injured passenger were airlifted to Saskatoon; the other passengers were taken to Uranium City for medical assessment.
Aircraft Systems and Equipment
During the crash sequence, the cargo net used to secure approximately 300 pounds of baggage in the rear cabin (exceeding the 200-pound limit) failed. The forward anchor points were attached to seat tracks; the aft 18 inches of both right seat tracks separated from the floor, causing the seat, occupant, and baggage to project forward. Post-crash examination found that two seat track attachment screws were missing from each broken track section. This failure contributed to passenger injuries. The stitching on the outboard strap of a cabin seat belt also failed. The aircraft was not equipped with a ground proximity warning system (GPWS) or radio altimeter, which were not required for air taxi operations. The ELT's location required hand tools for manual activation or deactivation; the cockpit remote switch was inaccessible due to impact damage.
The pilot, certified and qualified, had approximately 7850 flight hours, including 1450 on type and 3370 instrument hours. He had adequate rest before the flight. No evidence indicated company pressure to complete the flight despite weather conditions.