What happened
On the night of August 2, 2001, a Cessna 182 was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Kuujjuaq, Quebec, toward La Grande-Rivière. During the flight, the pilot altered the destination to Timmins, Ontario. While approaching the area, the pilot contacted the Timmins Flight Service Station (FSS) and was informed of low visibility and a 300-foot ceiling. Because the aircraft lacked a functioning instrument landing system (ILS), the pilot intended to use a global positioning system (GPS) for a Runway 03 approach.
Shortly after acknowledging instructions to report over the VOR, the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter sent a signal, indicating an accident had occurred. The aircraft struck treetops in a shallow descent approximately 1.2 nautical miles northwest of the Timmins VOR. The single fatality was the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical state, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions. Investigators found that the engine and propeller were functioning at the time of impact and that the aircraft's fuel system was not a factor. However, the aircraft's avionics were significantly degraded; only one VHF radio was serviceable, and several navigation instruments, including the ADF and DME, were unserviceable.
While the aircraft contained two handheld Garmin GPS units, one was a European version and the other—the unit likely used for the approach—was not found at the scene. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the pilot's German license restricted him to day VFR operations in Canadian airspace, meaning he was not legally authorized to conduct the IFR flight as planned. Additionally, no published instrument approach procedures for Ontario were found on board the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot attempted an instrument approach using a handheld GPS receiver that was not certified or installed for IFR use.
- The aircraft was not properly equipped for IFR operations due to several unserviceable navigation instruments.
- The pilot lacked the necessary regulatory authorization to conduct IFR operations in Canada under his specific license.
- Pilot fatigue likely impaired performance, as the pilot had been on duty for approximately 20 hours during a long-range, multi-timezone flight.