Fatal Piper PA-18 Crash Near Andrew, Alberta

Casualties unknown • Andrew, Alberta 9 nm W, CA

A B. Allison Flying Services Piper PA-18 crashed during an aerial photography mission, resulting in two fatalities and highlighting gaps in flight following procedures.

What happened

On a clear day in Alberta, a Piper PA-18 (registration C-FJYS) departed Chipman airfield for a scheduled aerial photography mission. The flight, operated by B. Allison Flying Services, was part of a two-week photography project. At approximately 1230 mountain daylight time, the aircraft struck a hay field roughly 9 nautical miles west of Andrew, Alberta. The impact occurred in an extreme nose-down, left-wing-low attitude, causing substantial damage to the airframe. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained two fatal injuries. There was no fire following the impact.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and recovered a passenger's camera, which contained film from the flight. Photogrammetric analysis of these photos revealed the aircraft was flying at an altitude between 225 and 270 feet above ground level while maneuvering near a farmstead. Engine examinations indicated the engine was producing nearly full power at the moment of impact. While the right fuel tank remained partially full, the left tank and belly tank were empty.

Technical analysis of the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) revealed that the antenna coaxial cable disconnected during the crash due to an overly tight installation that left no room for fuselage deformation. Furthermore, the aircraft lacked a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, which prevented a more detailed reconstruction of the flight path and cockpit environment.

Findings

  • The aircraft departed controlled flight and struck the ground for undetermined reasons.
  • The pilot failed to file a NAV CANADA flight plan or a company flight itinerary, which delayed the initiation of search efforts.
  • The company's procedures for delegating management authority were incomplete, leading to ineffective flight following and a delayed emergency response.
  • The tight installation of the ELT antenna cable caused the signal to fail at impact.

Safety action

  • The operator has implemented a delegation system to ensure management authority is always assigned.
  • The company has strengthened its flight following system by mandating the submission of comprehensive flight itineraries or flight plans.

Probable cause

The cause of the aircraft departing controlled flight remains undetermined; however, the lack of flight planning and inadequate management delegation significantly hindered the emergency response.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-07-06 Piper PA-18 C-FJYS accident near Andrew, Alberta 9 nm W, CA?

A B. Allison Flying Services Piper PA-18 crashed during an aerial photography mission, resulting in two fatalities and highlighting gaps in flight following procedures.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-07-06 involved a Piper PA-18 C-FJYS, operated by B. Allison Flying Services, at Andrew, Alberta 9 nm W, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the aircraft departing controlled flight remains undetermined; however, the lack of flight planning and inadequate management delegation significantly hindered the emergency response.

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