What happened
At 0735 EDT, a Beech B5/58P Baron departed Toronto Island Airport, Ontario, bound for the Bahamas with an intermediate stop in North Carolina. The flight was carrying the pilot, co-pilot, and two passengers. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of power. While communicating with the Toronto Area Control Centre, the pilot reported an engine failure and requested an immediate return to the airport.
Following this transmission, the aircraft entered a steep, nose-down descent. The aircraft struck the surface of Lake Ontario approximately 1.8 nautical miles west of the airport. All four occupants were killed in the impact, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's engines and found that both were capable of producing full power during post-accident testing. The investigation could not replicate the power loss, and evidence suggested the loss of power was likely not due to a mechanical malfunction.
Radar data showed the aircraft climbed to 1,500 feet before a rapid descent occurred. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was 345.3 pounds above its maximum gross takeoff weight at departure. Furthermore, the pilot's instrument flight skills were noted as weak, and the presence of a scattered cloud layer at 1,450 feet may have caused spatial disorientation during the emergency.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating outside of the approved weight and balance envelope.
- A power loss occurred during the initial climb-out, though the specific cause of this loss could not be determined.
- The pilot lost control of the overweight aircraft while attempting to return to the airport.
- The presence of clouds and low visibility may have hindered the pilot's ability to recover the aircraft due to limited instrument flying proficiency.