What happened
On a daylight flight from Penticton Airport, British Columbia, a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, registration C-GLGJ, crashed into a treed area near the Brenda Mines site, approximately 18 nautical miles west of Kelowna. The aircraft, carrying one pilot and three passengers, was flying under visual flight rules toward Boundary Bay.
After departing Penticton, the pilot noted a significantly lower rate of climb than expected. Instead of following the planned route, the aircraft flew approximately 20 nautical miles north over Okanagan Lake before turning west into a valley. During the flight, the pilot encountered reduced visibility due to smoke. An airliner flying overhead detected an emergency locator transmitter signal and alerted authorities. Search and rescue teams located the wreckage about two and a half hours later. The impact resulted in two fatalities—one at the scene and one in the hospital—while the remaining two occupants sustained critical injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined several mechanical and operational factors. It was determined that the aircraft was approximately 150 pounds over its maximum gross weight because the pilot had not performed a weight and balance calculation. Furthermore, the aircraft was operating in high density altitude conditions, and the pilot did not utilize the available turbocharger boost, which caused the engines to perform as if they were normally aspirated.
Investigators also identified a mechanical issue with the right engine, where a partially obstructed fuel nozzle prevented it from producing full power. This issue was linked to undocumented maintenance trends, as previous symptoms of fuel system issues had not been properly recorded in the aircraft logbooks. Additionally, the investigation noted that the aircraft lacked shoulder harnesses, which likely contributed to the severity of the occupants' head injuries.
Findings
Several factors converged to cause the accident:
- The combination of high density altitude, excessive aircraft weight, the decision not to use turbocharger boost, and reduced power from the right engine resulted in a severely diminished rate of climb.
- The pilot continued flying toward rising mountainous terrain despite the aircraft's inability to climb sufficiently.
- The aircraft struck the terrain while likely operating in an area of reduced visibility.
Safety action
Following the accident, NAV CANADA updated the Canada Flight Supplement for Penticton, Oliver, and Osoyoos Airports. A new caution was added, recommending that pilots flying under VFR maintain a minimum altitude of 5,000 feet above sea level before leaving the Okanagan Valley due to the high terrain in the area.