Introduction
On 26 May 2010, at 0835 Atlantic Daylight Time, a Piper Navajo PA31-350 (registration C-FZSD, serial number 31-7405233) operated by North Wind Aviation Ltd. departed from Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, on a round-trip flight to Cartwright and Black Tickle. The aircraft was carrying a pilot, one passenger, and freight. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR).
History of the Flight
The pilot obtained weather information for Cartwright at 0600 and 0700 on the morning of the flight. After arriving at Goose Bay airport, the pilot prepared the aircraft, filed a VFR flight plan, and loaded the passenger and freight. The aircraft departed at 0835.
During the flight, the pilot made radio contact with another aircraft on three occasions, reporting no concerns. At approximately 0905, the pilot broadcast that the aircraft was 60 nautical miles west of Cartwright at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level (asl). This was the last radio communication. The last radar return showed the aircraft at 3600 feet asl. The aircraft did not arrive at its destination, and at 1010 it was reported missing.
Weather
At the time of departure, weather at Goose Bay was suitable for VFR flight: visibility 15 statute miles in light rain with few clouds at 1500 and 4700 feet above ground level (agl). Weather at Cartwright was marginal for VFR: visibility 7 statute miles in light rain, broken clouds at 1000 feet agl, and overcast at 2500 feet agl.
The graphical area forecast for the southeast coast of Labrador included localized visibility of 5 to 6 statute miles in rain and mist, a ceiling of 1000 to 2000 feet agl, and a north-south low-level jet stream with winds at 60 knots and moderate mechanical turbulence from the surface to 3000 feet agl. Pilots familiar with the area are aware of the possibility of severe turbulence with a low-level jet stream over the Mealy Mountains.
Route
The most common route from Goose Bay to Cartwright is direct, but weather conditions may require flying around the Mealy Mountains. Alternate routes include following river valleys or the coastline. The pilot chose to fly direct.
Investigation
The wreckage was located on 28 May 2010 at approximately 2200 on a plateau in the Mealy Mountains. Both occupants were fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. No emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was on board, and no signal was received.
The investigation found no pre-existing aircraft deficiencies. Pilot incapacitation was ruled out. Turbulence was not a factor; the debris field indicated a straight-line impact with no evasive maneuvers. The aircraft struck the ground at about 3450 feet asl in a straight-and-level attitude with engines running, consistent with controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
The altimeter setting at Goose Bay was 29.93 inches of mercury (in. Hg) and at Cartwright was 29.71 in. Hg. If the pilot did not adjust the altimeter for the lower pressure en route, the indicated altitude would have been approximately 200 feet higher than the actual altitude. The last radar return at 3600 feet asl, corrected for the pressure difference, would place the aircraft at about 3400 feet asl, close to the impact altitude.
Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot conducted a VFR flight into deteriorating weather in a mountainous region. The pilot lost visual reference with the ground, and the aircraft struck rising terrain in level, controlled flight. The aircraft was not equipped with a functioning ELT, hindering timely location. Not applying current altimeter settings may have reduced obstacle clearance. The report concluded that without a requirement for terrain awareness warning systems, there is a continued risk of such accidents.