What happened
On March 29, 2019, a privately operated, ski-equipped aircraft was performing a local flight under visual flight rules. The flight originated from Lac Malartic, situated approximately 16 nautical miles northwest of Val-d’Or, Quebec. Shortly after departing at roughly 1320 Eastern Daylight Time, the pilot flew at a low altitude over Chemin du Lac-Malartic. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground about 50 metres east of Highway 117 at kilometre post 548. A fire broke out following the impact, causing partial destruction of the wreckage. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and identified discrepancies regarding the aircraft's identity. While official records listed the registration C-ICMG as a Zenair CH 701 L ultralight, the physical inspection revealed the aircraft was actually a modified Cessna 120 or 140. The plane was powered by a Lycoming 0320-E3D engine.
Analysis of the propeller indicated that it lacked the typical markings of an impact during rotation, suggesting the engine was not producing power at the moment of collision. Furthermore, an examination of the fuel filter by the TSB Engineering Laboratory uncovered a significant amount of solid contaminants. Regarding the pilot's credentials, Transport Canada records indicated that the pilot's medical certificate had not been renewed since November 1994, and his private pilot's licence had expired at that time.
Findings
- The aircraft struck terrain during a low-altitude flight.
- The propeller was likely not rotating at the time of the impact.
- Solid contaminants were found within the fuel filter.
- The pilot was operating with an invalid medical certificate and an expired pilot's licence.