Occurrence
On 24 November 2023, a privately registered Piper PA-28-180 (Cherokee) aircraft departed from Vanderhoof Aerodrome (CAU4), British Columbia, on a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight to Invermere Aerodrome (CAA8), British Columbia. The flight was conducted with only the pilot on board.
During the flight, the aircraft reportedly entered a nose-down attitude, approaching the ground at a high speed. Subsequently, the aircraft raised its nose abruptly to a level attitude, then rolled to the right as the nose dropped. The aircraft then collided with terrain.
Search and Rescue
The Canadian Mission Control Centre did not receive a signal from the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter. Multiple search and rescue helicopter sorties were flown to locate the crash site, which was found more than 17 hours after the occurrence.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was destroyed. The pilot was fatally injured.
Investigation
This occurrence was investigated as a class 4 investigation. Class 4 investigations are limited in scope, and while final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days.