What happened
In the evening near Gladstone, Manitoba, two agricultural aircraft were conducting independent flights when they collided on final approach to Runway 1s. The first aircraft, a Pezetel M18B Dromader (registration C-GEZV), was returning from a flight west of the Gladstone aerodrome. The second aircraft, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration C-GBDF), was returning from a flight near Carberry.
The Air Tractor AT-401 joined the traffic circuit on a left downwind leg at approximately 500 feet above ground level. Simultaneously, the C-GEZV approached from the west, joining the circuit on a descending right base leg from about 1000 feet. As both aircraft turned onto final approach, the Dromader descended into the path of the Air Tractor, striking it from above.
The collision caused the Dromader's propeller to strike the forward fuselage and engine area of the Air Tractor. The Air Tractor lost control and crashed in a near-vertical attitude on the runway's asphalt surface, subsequently overturning and catching fire. The Dromader also lost control, crashing into a nearby marsh. The pilot of the C-GEZV escaped without injury, but the pilot of the C-GBDF sustained serious burn injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight paths, aircraft equipment, and aerodrome procedures. They found that the Gladstone aerodrome is uncontrolled and lacks a tower or flight service station. While an aerodrome traffic frequency is available, the Dromader pilot did not make or receive any traffic calls. Furthermore, the Air Tractor's communications radio had been removed for repairs, preventing the pilot from monitoring the frequency.
Technical inspections of both aircraft revealed no mechanical discrepancies contributing to the crash. The investigation also looked into the visibility of the aircraft, noting that neither pilot had their landing lights activated. The safety of the cockpit structures and restraint systems was also evaluated, as both pilots survived the high-impact deceleration.
Findings
- The pilot of the C-GEZV joined the traffic circuit using a right base leg, which deviated from recommended procedures and hindered the ability to observe other traffic.
- The Dromader's flight path converged with the Air Tractor's, leading to the mid-air collision.
- The large nose of the Dromader likely obscured the pilot's view of the area beneath the aircraft, and no clearing turns were performed.
- The Air Tractor's visibility was low because the Dromader approached head-on, presenting only its engine and wing edges rather than its brightly painted fuselage.
- A lack of radio communication and the failure to use landing lights reduced situational awareness for both crews.
- The operator's training program regarding circuit procedures and collision avoidance was not implemented as required by its manual.
- The pilot of the C-GBDF suffered increased injury severity because his arms and hands were not protected from the post-crash fire.