Fatal Crash of Air Manitoba Hawker Siddeley 748 in Ontario

Casualties unknown • Sandy Lake, Ontario 1 nm NW, CA

A scheduled flight operating in Northern Ontario ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft descended into trees during a departure turn, killing all seven people on board.

What happened

On the evening of 10 November 1993, an Air Manitoba Ltd. Hawker Siddeley 748 Series 2A Model 234 was conducting a scheduled multi-stop flight originating in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The flight path included stops at Sandy Lake, Ontario, and St. Theresa Point, Manitoba.

Earlier in the day, the crew had diverted to St. Theresa Point due to poor visibility and low ceilings at Sandy Lake. After completing a turnaround in Manitoba, the aircraft returned to Sandy Lake, landing at approximately 1745 CST. At the time of the final departure, the aircraft was carrying two pilots, a flight attendant, and four passengers.

At approximately 1805 CST, the aircraft departed from runway 29 at Sandy Lake and immediately initiated a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft appeared to maintain a lower altitude than usual. After the turn reached approximately 120 degrees, the aircraft descended into a stand of 100-foot trees and crashed roughly one nautical mile northwest of the aerodrome. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in seven fatalities.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the flight path deviation and the cockpit environment during the departure. Investigators examined the aircraft's systems, specifically looking for any electrical or instrument failures that could have affected the crew's ability to monitor the flight.

Records regarding the flight crew were also reviewed, including their flying histories and previous flight test results. The investigation also looked into the technical capabilities of the aircraft, noting that while the aircraft was a large turbo-prop, it lacked certain modern safety technologies such as a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) or an independently powered standby attitude indicator.

Findings

  • The crew most likely experienced a loss of situational awareness following takeoff, which prevented them from noticing that the aircraft was deviating from its intended flight path.
  • A lack of AC power to certain flight instruments contributed to the loss of situational awareness, though the cause of this power loss could not be determined.
  • The aircraft struck trees and the ground during a turn, leading to the destruction of the plane and the death of all seven occupants.

Probable cause

The crew likely lost situational awareness during the departure turn, failing to detect a deviation from the flight path, a condition exacerbated by the loss of AC power to some flight instruments.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-11-10 Hawker Siddeley, HS 748 Series 2A C-GQTH accident near Sandy Lake, Ontario 1 nm NW, CA?

A scheduled flight operating in Northern Ontario ended in a fatal crash after the aircraft descended into trees during a departure turn, killing all seven people on board.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-11-10 involved a Hawker Siddeley, HS 748 Series 2A C-GQTH, operated by Air Manitoba Limited, at Sandy Lake, Ontario 1 nm NW, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew likely lost situational awareness during the departure turn, failing to detect a deviation from the flight path, a condition exacerbated by the loss of AC power to some flight instruments.

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