What happened
On a ferry flight destined for Alaska, a Cessna 185 departed Smithers, British Columbia, carrying a pilot and two passengers. The flight was intended to proceed from Smithers to Dease Lake, and then toward Whitehorse, Yukon. Shortly after departure, an emergency locator transmitter signal was detected by the Cospas-Sarsat system approximately 80 nautical miles northwest of Smithers.
Search and rescue operations were initiated, though progress was hindered by poor weather. The wreckage was located the following day on a treeless, snow-covered hillside at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The impact was forceful enough to break the front of the aircraft and eject two of the occupants from the cabin. The three fatalities were confirmed following the discovery of the wreckage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the engine was operating at a normal cruise power setting of 2400 rpm at the moment of impact. The aircraft was equipped with a global positioning system, and radar data from previous flight legs suggested the pilot had been using the system for navigation.
Medical examinations of the pilot revealed no underlying health issues or toxins that would have impaired flight performance. The investigation also noted that the terrain on the planned route rises to approximately 7,000 feet, while the forecast indicated cloud layers as low as 4,000 feet and reduced visibility due to light snow showers.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the hillside while in a controlled state, a scenario classified as controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- The pilot likely attempted to navigate through high terrain while encountering instrument meteorological conditions.
- Reduced visibility and a lack of distinct ground features on the snow-covered landscape likely contributed to a loss of situational awareness.
- The pilot probably continued visual flight operations despite adverse weather conditions, significantly increasing the risk of terrain collision.