What happened
On a night flight from Val–d'Or to Chicoutimi/Saint–Honoré, Quebec, a Beech A100 operated by Exact Air Inc. struck trees approximately 3 nautical miles from the runway threshold. The aircraft, registration C–GPBA, was performing an RNAV (GNSS) Runway 12 approach under instrument flight rules in adverse weather. During the descent, the aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and impacted the terrain. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and while there was no post-crash fire, the two pilots on board were killed, and the two passengers sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight's history, the crew's approach procedures, and the aircraft's equipment. Investigators found that the crew was managing a high workload during the approach, which included a descent from a higher altitude and speed. The aircraft's autopilot was non-functional, and notably, this specific aircraft was not equipped with a Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS).
Investigators also reviewed the approach charts used, noting that the published RNAV approach design focused on obstacle clearance rather than an optimum 3-degree descent path. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the lack of recent runway condition information for the destination airport and the potential for visual illusions, such as the 'black hole' effect, caused by confusing distant mine lights with approach lights.