Incident Overview
On February 12, 2003, a single-engine Cessna 210N, registration N104WF, departed Narsarsuaq, Greenland, for Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. The aircraft was part of a ferry flight from Prestwick, Scotland, to the United States. During a straight-in precision radar approach to Runway 26 in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot reported an attitude indicator failure six nautical miles from the airport. Control was subsequently lost, and the aircraft struck the ice-covered surface of Hamilton Inlet at 1809 Atlantic Standard Time. Both occupants, the pilot and her daughter, were fatally injured.
Aircraft Condition and Maintenance History
The aircraft had undergone maintenance in Jersey on November 16, 2000, including engine replacement and vacuum pump service. It was stored in Exeter, England, until January 2003. Prior to the accident flight, a list of deficiencies was compiled, including poor pressurization and an unreliable turn coordinator. The aircraft lacked a standby attitude indicator. On February 11, 2003, vacuum system filters and engine oil were changed. Pilots noted the turn coordinator was unserviceable on final pre-departure flights.
Accident Sequence and Findings
The pilot departed Narsarsuaq at 1428 under IFR. At 1800, the aircraft was cleared for a precision approach. Radar data indicated the aircraft maintained altitude until the pilot reported the attitude indicator failure. The aircraft then veered left, descended rapidly, and entered a spiral dive to the left before impacting the ice. The impact speed and attitude were consistent with a spiral dive.
Investigation revealed the attitude indicator gyroscope was not spinning at impact, while the vacuum-driven directional gyroscope showed normal operation, suggesting a malfunction specific to the attitude indicator or its associated plumbing. The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) switch was found in the "Off" position, and the battery was time-expired with reduced voltage, which likely weakened any potential signal. Fuel calculations indicated the aircraft did not carry sufficient fuel to meet Canadian Aviation Regulations requirements for the filed alternate aerodrome.