What happened
On an October morning, an Air Tindi Ltd. Cessna 208B Caravan, registered C-GATV, departed Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, for a scheduled flight to Lutsel K'e. The flight was being conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) at a low altitude. During the flight, the aircraft's visibility was reduced by rain and mist.
Shortly before the scheduled arrival, the aircraft struck the western side of the Pehtei Peninsula. The impact occurred at an elevation of approximately 1,013 feet, striking the terrain at a nearly level attitude. The landing gear, cargo pod, and propeller separated upon impact, and the aircraft eventually came to rest inverted on the eastern slope of the peninsula. The crash resulted in two fatalities and two serious injuries.
Because the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was dislodged during the impact and lost its antenna connection, no automatic distress signal was received. However, the aircraft's SkyTrac satellite tracking system allowed the company to locate the wreckage, leading to a successful rescue of the survivors.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight path, weather conditions, and the pilot's medical status. Data from the SkyTrac system allowed for a reconstruction of the flight, showing the aircraft was flying at low altitudes between 850 and 1,470 feet above sea level. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's equipment, noting that while the GPS unit provided no useful data, the SkyTrac system was instrumental in the search.
Regarding the aircraft's configuration, the investigation found that the engine was producing power immediately before the collision. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was flying beyond the gliding distance of land without carrying personal flotation devices, a violation of regulatory requirements for overwater operations.
Findings
- The aircraft was operated at a low altitude during a period of poor forward visibility, which prevented the pilot from seeing the rising terrain.
- The concentrations of cannabinoids in the pilot's system were sufficient to cause impairment of both decision-making and physical performance.
- The pilot's decision to fly under VFR in marginal weather, rather than utilizing IFR capabilities, contributed to the accident.
- The ELT was not properly retained in its mounting tray due to an inadequate fastening method, which prevented the transmission of an emergency signal.