What happened
On November 24, 2023, a privately registered Piper PA-28-180 (Cherokee) was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country mission across British Columbia. The flight originated from Vanderhoof Aerodrome (CAU4) with the intention of reaching Invermere Aerodrome (CAA8). The aircraft was occupied solely by the pilot.
During the transit, the aircraft entered a nose-down pitch, descending toward the ground at a high rate of speed. The aircraft's attitude briefly corrected to a level position before the nose dropped again, causing a right-hand roll and subsequent impact with the terrain. Following the impact, the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter failed to alert the Canadian Mission Control Centre. After an intensive search involving several helicopter sorties, the wreckage was located more than 17 hours after the incident.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the crash. The investigation focused on the flight path, the sequence of the aircraft's attitude changes prior to impact, and the failure of the emergency signaling equipment. The wreckage was found to be completely destroyed.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a high-speed descent characterized by a nose-down attitude.
- The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
- The emergency locator transmitter did not transmit a signal to the Canadian Mission Control Centre following the accident.