What happened
On a flight from Edmonton Municipal Airport to Meadow Lake, an IAI 1124A (Westwind II) was performing a circling approach to land on runway 26. The weather at the destination featured low ceilings and reduced visibility. After completing an instrument approach to runway 08, the crew began a circling procedure to the south of the aerodrome.
As the aircraft was approximately 2.5 miles from the runway environment, it was observed performing several rapid, steep-banked rolling maneuvers. Following these movements, the aircraft descended and struck the ground in a nose-high, slightly right-wing-low attitude. The impact generated extreme deceleration forces, causing the aircraft to break into sections and rupturing the internal fuel tanks. A severe post-crash fire ensued. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, the aircraft's configuration, and the environmental conditions. Investigators determined the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 400 feet above ground level, which was below the published category D circling minimum descent altitude of 604 feet. The aircraft's center of gravity was noted to be at the aft limit of its operating range.
Technical analysis of the flight dynamics suggested the aircraft was maneuvering at speeds between 129 and 154 KIAS, which may have been at or below its normal approach speed. There was no evidence of mechanical failure, system malfunctions, or in-flight fire prior to the impact. The investigation also looked into the impact of the local weather, specifically the presence of whiteout conditions.
Findings
- The aircraft performed a non-typical circling procedure at an altitude lower than the published minimums.
- The abrupt maneuvers were consistent with an accelerated stall.
- The aircraft's center of gravity was at the aft limit, which reduced pitch stability and increased susceptibility to stalling.
- The crew likely tightened their turn to avoid a radio broadcast tower located near the aircraft's position.
- Whiteout conditions may have hindered the crew's ability to accurately judge altitude and flight path, potentially delaying a recovery attempt.
- The high deceleration forces and subsequent fire rendered the accident non-survivable.