Double engine failure leads to crash in Winnipeg intersection

Casualties unknown • Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA

A Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain crashed into a busy city intersection after experiencing total engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion.

What happened

A Keystone Air Service Ltd. Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain, registration C-GPOW, was performing an instrument flight rules (IFR) approach to Runway 13 at Winnipeg International Airport when the aircraft experienced a catastrophic loss of power. The flight, which was returning from Gunisao Lake with six passengers and baggage, was being flown in instrument meteorological conditions.

During the instrument landing system (ILS) approach, the pilot maintained a higher-than-normal airspeed and a glide path well above the standard slope. Upon breaking through the cloud layer, the aircraft was not positioned for a safe landing, prompting the pilot to execute a missed approach. Shortly after, the right engine began to sputter and eventually lost power. Within seconds, the left engine also failed.

At 0-920 central daylight time, the aircraft crashed into a major traffic intersection, striking traffic signals and several vehicles. The impact caused extensive structural damage, including the separation of the wings and engines from the fuselage. The crash resulted in one fatality among the passengers and several serious injuries to both passengers and occupants of the vehicles involved.

Probable cause

The crash was caused by **fuel exhaustion**, as the pilot failed to correctly calculate the fuel required for the flight, leading to the loss of both engines. Contributing factors included an unstable approach flown above the glide path and beyond the missed approach point, as well as the aircraft's lack of a required autopilot for single-pilot IMC operations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-06-11 Piper PA 31-350 Navajo Chieftain C-GPOW accident near Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA?

A Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain crashed into a busy city intersection after experiencing total engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-11 involved a Piper PA 31-350 Navajo Chieftain C-GPOW, operated by Keystone Air Services Ltd., at Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was caused by **fuel exhaustion**, as the pilot failed to correctly calculate the fuel required for the flight, leading to the loss of both engines. Contributing factors included an unstable approach flown above the glide path and beyond the missed approach point, as well as the aircraft's lack of a…

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