Night VFR descent leads to fatal crash near Kamloops

Casualties unknown • Kamloops, British Columbia 7 nm ESE, CA

A Navair Charter Piper PA-31 crashed into trees in mountainous terrain during a night visual approach, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

On a night flight from Williams Lake to Kamloops, British Columbia, a Navair Charter Piper PA-31 was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) approach to the Kamloops airport. During the procedure, the crew identified a break in the cloud layer and established visual contact with ground references. Following this, the captain cancelled the IFR flight plan to attempt a visual flight rules (VFR) approach.

While descending, the aircraft entered a figure-eight pattern perpendicular to the localizer. At approximately 1902 PST, the aircraft struck trees at an elevation of 2,400 feet above sea level, roughly seven nautical miles east-southeast of the airport. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft. The captain sustained fatal injuries, while the first officer suffered serious injuries.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the transition from IFR to VFR flight and the environmental conditions during the descent. Investigators examined the weather at the time, noting that while the reported visibility and ceiling met VFR minimums, the combination of darkness and sparsely lit, mountainous terrain significantly reduced visual references.

Evidence showed that the crew was aware of a departing DHC-8 on an opposing track. The investigation looked into whether the need to maintain separation from this departing IFR traffic influenced the crew's descent profile. The aircraft's maintenance records and the operator's safety standards were also reviewed, with audits finding the company's regulatory compliance to be satisfactory.

Findings

  • The aircraft collided with trees in mountainous terrain because the crew lacked adequate visual cues to accurately determine their altitude above the ground.
  • The captain's decision to cancel the IFR flight plan and attempt a visual approach occurred well outside the established VFR circuit area.
  • The inherent risks of conducting night VFR operations in mountainous regions contributed to the accident.
  • The crew's need to remain clear of departing IFR traffic at the airport acted as a contributing factor.
  • The dark, overcast conditions and the featureless, poorly lit terrain impeded the pilots' ability to maintain safe separation from the ground.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during a night VFR descent in mountainous terrain due to the crew's inability to accurately judge their height above the ground caused by insufficient visual references.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-11-22 Piper PA-31 (NAVAJO) C-GKNB accident near Kamloops, British Columbia 7 nm ESE, CA?

A Navair Charter Piper PA-31 crashed into trees in mountainous terrain during a night visual approach, resulting in one fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-11-22 involved a Piper PA-31 (NAVAJO) C-GKNB, operated by Navair Charter Inc., at Kamloops, British Columbia 7 nm ESE, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees during a night VFR descent in mountainous terrain due to the crew's inability to accurately judge their height above the ground caused by insufficient visual references.

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