History of the Flight
On 29 November 2010, the aircraft arrived at Montréal/St-Hubert Airport (CYHU) for installation of a new audio panel and Garmin GNS 430W GPS. On 13 December, the pilot, also the company owner, flew commercially from Bathurst, New Brunswick, to Montréal. The next day, a test flight and familiarization training were scheduled before returning to the company's base at Pokemouche Airport (CDA4).
The pilot awoke before 0800 Atlantic Standard Time and arrived at CYHU around 1220. The test flight was delayed until 1722 and lasted 56 minutes, during which the new components were checked and the pilot received training on the audio panel and GPS. Two instrument approaches and a hold were conducted using the autopilot coupled to the GPS. No system defects were noted.
The pilot initially planned to stay another night but decided to depart immediately after the test flight due to an unexpected charter request the next morning. After refueling and checking weather, additional fuel was ordered. At 1941, the aircraft departed CYHU on a non-revenue IFR flight to CDA4.
At approximately 2105, the pilot obtained weather for Bathurst Airport (CZBF) and Greater Moncton International Airport. CZBF reported ceiling 200 feet agl, 1/4 sm visibility in light drizzle and fog, wind 010°M at 6 knots. The graphical area forecast indicated similar conditions at CDA4. The departure weather at CYHU was VMC, and Fredericton International was listed as alternate.
Approaching CDA4, the pilot contacted the company and was advised that lights on a tower several kilometers away were visible from the airport. The wind favored Runway 13, which has a published RNAV (GNSS) approach. At 2139:09, the aircraft began a normal descent. At 2146:04, about 26 nm from CDA4, it descended below radar coverage at 4400 feet asl.
Findings
Between 2156 and 2158, three transmissions from the aircraft's 406 MHz ELT were received, but the signal terminated before location could be determined. The wreckage was found two days later in a wooded area 5.5 nm west-northwest of CDA4. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. The lone occupant was fatally injured.
There was no indication of aircraft system malfunction or pilot incapacitation. The departure altimeter setting was 29.61 in Hg at CYHU and arrival at CZBF was 29.41 in Hg; a 200-foot altimeter error would not have caused impact with correct setting.
The occurrence involved factors common to CFIT: flight conditions that made terrain nearly invisible, and an instrument approach with multiple step-down altitudes. The combination of a non-precision approach at night with low ceilings and limited visibility increases CFIT risk.
The operator was not authorized to conduct GPS approaches on revenue flights, and no evidence of required training for GPS approaches was found. The pilot was familiar with the aircraft and area but inexperienced with new equipment. Using unfamiliar GPS, terrain awareness feature, and audio panel in adverse weather at night increased workload and reduced situational awareness. Based on heading and location at impact, the pilot likely attempted the RNAV approach to Runway 13 and inadvertently flew into terrain.
The pilot elected to return to CDA4 that evening to have the aircraft available for a charter the next morning, a self-imposed pressure that influenced the decision to depart despite lack of familiarity and unfavorable weather. The pilot likely elected to conduct a GPS approach in IFR weather at or below landing limits.
The aircraft had a terrain awareness feature, but it is unknown if it was activated or if the pilot understood its information. Lack of adequate training on new equipment increases risk of improper use.
The 406 MHz ELT was not GPS-encoded and transmitted only briefly before being rendered inoperative, delaying search and rescue.
Probable Cause
The pilot, under self-imposed pressure to meet an unexpected charter request the next day, likely elected to carry out an RNAV approach in IFR weather that was at or below landing limits, and the aircraft was inadvertently flown into terrain while attempting that approach.