What happened
Following a refueling stop in Abbotsford, British Columbia, a pilot attempted to navigate a west-to-east route through the Coast Mountains. While traversing the Hope Slide pass, the aircraft encountered low cloud cover at approximately 2,100 feet. The aircraft disappeared into the clouds and subsequently reappeared in a steep, nose-down orientation before impacting the ground and catching fire. The accident resulted in three fatalities, including the pilot and two passengers, and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical state and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. There was no evidence of any engine or airframe failure, nor any system malfunctions, prior to or during the flight. Data regarding engine RPM, flap position, and propeller damage indicated the aircraft was in a cruise configuration and the engine was producing power at the moment of impact.
Regarding the flight path, the pilot had been briefed on low ceilings and visibility prior to departing Abbotsford, including reports of a previous flight being forced to detour around the Hope Slide due to poor weather. While the weather allowed for a visual flight to the town of Hope, the conditions within the pass itself had deteriorated. By 1200 PDT, the ceiling had dropped to 1,800 feet broken, which was lower than the 2,432-foot elevation of the Hope Slide pass. The narrowness of the valley at the point of encounter prevented the pilot from reversing course once the clouds were entered.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
- The weather conditions within the Hope Slide pass were unsuitable for the intended VFR flight.
- The aircraft entered the clouds, after which the pilot likely lost control, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact.