The Occurrence
On 13 April 2015, Carson Air Ltd. flight 66 (CA66), a Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II, registration C-GSKC, serial number TC-235, departed Vancouver International Airport (CYVR), British Columbia, on an instrument flight rules flight to Prince George, British Columbia. The aircraft was operated by two pilots.
At 0709 Pacific Daylight Time, approximately six minutes after departure, the aircraft disappeared from air traffic control radar while climbing through 8700 feet above sea level in instrument meteorological conditions. The last known position was about 4 nautical miles north of the built-up area of North Vancouver.
Deteriorating weather conditions with low cloud and heavy snowfall hampered an air search. However, ground searchers located aircraft wreckage on steep, mountainous, snow-covered terrain at approximately 1645 Pacific Daylight Time. The aircraft had experienced a catastrophic in-flight breakup. Both pilots were fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The aircraft's 406-megahertz emergency locator transmitter activated, but the antenna was damaged and no signal was received by the Cospas Sarsat international satellite system for search and rescue. The accident occurred during daylight hours.
Safety Communications
On 2017-11-02, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada issued Recommendation A17-02, addressing the need for a comprehensive substance abuse program, including drug and alcohol testing, for persons engaged in safety-sensitive functions. The recommendation was directed to the Department of Transport, in collaboration with the Canadian aviation industry and employee representatives.