What happened
At 0808 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172M, registered C-FFJF, departed Victoria International Airport for a local sightseeing excursion. The flight, carrying the pilot and one passenger, initially climbed to 150 and reported maintaining a level altitude. However, five minutes after departure, while within the Victoria control zone, the aircraft underwent a rapid descent, dropping from 1500 feet to 300 feet above sea level in approximately 10 seconds.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft performing a steep, nose-down spiral dive before it leveled out just before impact. The aircraft struck trees in a level pitch with a slight right bank, traveling roughly 130 yards before hitting a mature cedar tree. The force of this secondary impact caused the aircraft to break apart. The accident resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and one serious injury (the passenger).
The investigation
The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was being operated and maintained according to all regulations, with the weight and center of gravity within approved limits. While the aircraft lacked flight data or voice recorders, physical evidence showed that all control systems and aerofoil sections were intact prior to the crash; all structural damage was determined to be the result of impact loads.
Medical examinations of the pilot revealed advanced coronary artery disease and several other cardiovascular conditions. A toxicology report was negative for drugs and alcohol. While the sudden descent could theoretically have been an intentional act, the lack of radio communication with air traffic control and the nature of the descent suggested a different cause.
Findings
- The rapid, unexplained descent was likely caused by the pilot suffering physiological distress or incapacitation.
- The pilot possessed significant cardiovascular risk factors that increased the likelihood of sudden cardiac death or incapacitation.
- Despite these known medical risks, the pilot was not subject to any specialized medical monitoring or flight restrictions beyond routine screening.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the TSB issued an advisory to Transport Canada regarding the adequacy of administrative procedures used to monitor and follow up on the medical assessments of pilots.