Overweight Cessna Caravan Crashes into Lake Erie

Casualties unknown • Pelee Island, Ontario, CA

A Georgian Express Ltd. flight crashed into the frozen surface of Lake Erie, resulting in 10 fatalities after departing Pelee Island.

What happened

On 17 January 2004, a Cessna 208B Caravan, registration C-FAGA, departed Pelee Island, Ontario, bound for Windsor, Ontario. The aircraft, operated by Georgian Express Ltd., was carrying one pilot, nine passengers, and two dogs. Shortly after takeoff from Runway 2 and using most of the available runway length, the aircraft climbed at a very shallow angle while turning north over Lake Erie. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing a crash followed by the cessation of engine noise. The wreckage was located by a US Coast Guard helicopter approximately 1.6 nautical miles from the departure end of the runway on the frozen lake. All 10 persons on board were killed in the accident.

The investigation

Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance, weight and balance records, and the pilot's recent history. The engine and propeller showed evidence of high power at the moment of impact, and no mechanical discrepancies were found that would have prevented normal operation. The investigation also looked into the weather conditions, noting that the region was experiencing freezing precipitation and widespread icing conditions. Additionally, the pilot's recent duty schedule was reviewed, noting he had completed a flight from Los Angeles to Toronto the previous night, resulting in approximately five hours of potential sleep prior to his morning duty.

Findings

  • The aircraft was significantly overweight, with a calculated takeoff weight of 9820 pounds, which exceeded the maximum allowable weight of 8550 pounds for flight in known icing conditions by 1270 pounds.
  • The pilot failed to perform weight and balance computations for the flight.
  • The use of standard passenger weights led to an inaccurate calculation of the aircraft's mass, as the actual weight of the occupants was much higher than the estimated standard weights.
  • The pilot did not report any concerns regarding ice on the wings despite being observed checking the leading edge after passengers had voiced concerns.
  • The pilot's recent duty period provided only about five hours of potential sleep time.
  • Two dogs on board were not restrained, creating a potential hazard.

Probable cause

The aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum allowable takeoff weight for icing conditions, primarily due to the use of inaccurate standard passenger weights and the failure to perform proper weight and balance calculations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-01-17 Cessna 208B Caravan C-FAGA accident near Pelee Island, Ontario, CA?

A Georgian Express Ltd. flight crashed into the frozen surface of Lake Erie, resulting in 10 fatalities after departing Pelee Island.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-01-17 involved a Cessna 208B Caravan C-FAGA, operated by Georgian Express Ltd., at Pelee Island, Ontario, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum allowable takeoff weight for icing conditions, primarily due to the use of inaccurate standard passenger weights and the failure to perform proper weight and balance calculations.

Loading the flight search…