What happened
On the evening of 10 November 2013, a Fairchild SA227-AC Metro III, registered C-FFZN, was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Sioux Lookout, Ontario, to Red Lake, Ontario. The aircraft, operated by Bearskin Lake Air Service LP, was carrying two pilots and five passengers.
At approximately 18:27 Central Standard Time, the crew communicated that they were five miles from the Red Lake Airport, positioned on final approach for Runway 26. Shortly after this transmission, an emergency was declared by the crew. The aircraft subsequently struck power lines and trees before crashing just south of the airfield, near Ontario Highway 125. A fire broke out following the impact, which completely destroyed the airframe.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the failure of emergency equipment. It was determined that engine power loss occurred during the final approach phase. Additionally, investigators noted that the aircraft's 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter failed to activate during the accident.
Findings
- The crash resulted in five fatalities, including both pilots and three passengers.
- Two passengers survived the impact and evacuated the wreckage with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of engine power during the approach to the runway.