Circumstances
On the day of the accident, a Piper PA-31 (registration C-FQQB, serial number 31-310) operated by Exact Air Inc. was performing its second magnetometric survey flight of the day. The flight originated from Schefferville Airport, Quebec, under visual flight rules. The aircraft carried two pilots.
At 1336 Eastern Daylight Time, the aircraft departed and proceeded toward the survey area, located 90 nautical miles northwest of the airport. The magnetometric survey work was conducted at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level (AGL). Following completion of the survey, the aircraft began the return leg to Schefferville Airport. During this segment, the aircraft descended and flew over the terrain at altitudes varying between 100 and 40 feet AGL.
Accident Sequence
At 1756, while flying over railway tracks, the aircraft struck power transmission line conductor cables and subsequently crashed onto a mine tailings deposit. The accident site was approximately 3.5 nautical miles northwest of Schefferville Airport. The impact did not result in a fire, and no emergency locator transmitter signal was detected. The accident occurred during daylight hours.
Injuries
Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) classified this occurrence as a Class 3 investigation. Such investigations focus on a limited number of safety issues and may produce recommendations. The TSB typically completes Class 3 investigations within 450 days.