What happened
At approximately 12:10 MST, a four-engine Lockheed L-18lend Electra, registered as C-GFQA, departed Cranbrook Airport in British Columbia to participate in a fire-management mission. The aircraft was tasked with delivering retardant to a ground fire located near Cranbrook. Prior to the Electra's departure, a Turbo Commander aircraft had performed a demonstration flight to establish the safest flight paths and delivery profiles for the mission.
After completing two retardant drops, the C-GFQA began a turn. At 12:21 MST, the aircraft struck a steep ridge at an elevation of roughly 3,900 feet. The impact caused an explosion and a subsequent intense fire that spread to the surrounding forest. The two fatalities were the pilots on board. The aircraft's emergency locator transmitter failed to activate due to the severity of the impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of mechanical failure, engine malfunction, or pre-existing defects. All flight control surfaces were intact, and the engines were delivering high power at the time of impact. The investigation established that the aircraft was capable of a climb rate of approximately 1,000 feet per minute, which would have been sufficient to clear the terrain.
Analysis of the flight path indicated that the pilots were likely performing a controlled maneuver. Because the aircraft did not utilize the emergency dump system and was seen flying in a conventional attitude, investigators concluded the crew was likely in control of the aircraft and aware of their surroundings until the final moments. However, the lack of a cockpit voice recorder prevented investigators from determining the exact cockpit circumstances or any potential distractions.
Findings
- The C-GFQA did not climb with enough altitude to avoid the rising terrain.
- Given the established flight path and climb rate, the collision with the ridge was unavoidable.
- The deceptive nature of the mountainous terrain made it difficult for the pilots to visually assess their proximity to the rising ground.
- Visual perception was further hindered by the bank angle of the turn and the physical limitations of the cockpit windshields.