What happened
On 11 September 1991, a Piper PA 23-250 Aztec, registration C-GIFD, was performing practice landings at Chilliwack Municipal Airport in British Columbia. Following a series of circuits, the pilot attempted a full-stop landing on runway 24. Shortly after the aircraft touched down, the left wing lifted and the plane began to veer to the left.
Witnesses noted the aircraft appeared to bounce or experience unstable contact with the runway. The aircraft continued to travel with only the nosewheel and right main wheel in contact with the pavement, eventually exiting the left side of the runway approximately 9 and 0 feet from the threshold. After moving onto the grass, the aircraft skidded sideways and struck a creek that was 10 to 15 feet deep. The impact with the far bank of the watercourse caused the aircraft to sustain substantial damage and resulted in serious injuries to the pilot, who was thrown into the instrument panel because they were not wearing a shoulder harness.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft, the pilot's actions, and the airport's infrastructure. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure or maintenance deficiencies that would have caused the aircraft to veer. While the exact mechanism of the loss of control—such as porpoising or wheelbarrowing—could not be definitively determined, the aircraft was within weight and balance limits and the pilot was properly qualified.
Regarding the airport environment, the investigation looked at the status of the watercourse relative to the runway strip. While the creek was located just outside the required graded area, it sat within the defined airport strip. The investigation also noted that a similar accident involving the same creek had occurred at the same location in 1988.
Findings
- The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the landing phase.
- The severity of the injuries and the damage to the Piper PA 23-250 Aztec were caused by the collision with the creek bank.
- The orientation of the uncovered watercourse perpendicular to the runway presented a significant hazard.
- The presence of the watercourse within the airport strip and its proximity to the runway 24 threshold contributed to the accident.