What happened
A Piper PA31-350, registration C-FTNS, was conducting an instrument flight rules approach to Runway 23 at the Saint John Airport on a flight originating from Québec. During the approach, the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence, causing it to drift left of the localizer and climb above the glideslope. While the pilot flying attempted to correct these deviations, the aircraft's position became significantly unstable.
As the aircraft reached the decision height, the pilot flying transitioned from instrument scanning to looking for runway lights, noting them at a two o'clock position. Although the pilot not flying called for an overshoot, the aircraft continued its descent and struck the terrain approximately 650 feet from the runway centerline. The impact was followed by a post-crash fire, leaving the two pilots with serious burn injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight's progression and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Prior to the arrival of C-FT andNS, a Beech 1900 had performed a missed approach on the same runway due to runway misalignment. The Flight Service Station specialist did not notify the crew of C-FTNS regarding this recent missed approach, nor did the specialist solicit a pilot report (PIREP) from the preceding aircraft regarding the weather conditions encountered.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's mechanical state and the crew's operational procedures. Analysis of the wreckage showed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failures. The investigation focused on the operational challenges of hand-flying the aircraft in darkness, turbulence, and low visibility without the use of the autopilot or flight director, which increased the pilot's workload.
Findings
- The crew continued the approach attempt rather than executing a missed approach once the flight profile became unstable.
- The crew likely suffered a loss of situational awareness during the final stages of the approach, leading to an uncontrolled descent into the terrain.
- The pilots were operating in visibilities below published advisory minimums without established crew coordination procedures or specific training for such conditions.
- The lack of updated weather information and knowledge of the preceding aircraft's missed approach prevented the crew from making a more informed decision to abandon the approach.