Fatal crash of Cessna 182RG during forest fire patrol in Quebec

Casualties unknown • Bégin, Quebec 3.5 nm N, CA

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain during a surveillance flight near Bégin, Quebec, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On a morning dedicated to forest fire surveillance, a Cessna 182RG departed from Roberval Airport, Quebec, for a local patrol. Approximately ten minutes into the flight, an eyewitness observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, heading toward a mountain obscured by clouds. Shortly after, the sound of the engine stopping was heard, and an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was detected by the Roberval Flight Service Station.

Search and rescue teams located the wreckage near Bégin, Quebec, at approximately 12:12 EDT. The aircraft had struck tall trees on the south side of a mountain, causing significant damage including the separation of both wings from the fuselage. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained fatal injuries.

The investigation

The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's qualifications, and the prevailing weather. The Cessna 182RG was found to be in good working order, with sufficient fuel, appropriate weight and balance, and no mechanical failures identified prior to the impact. While the pilot had previously mentioned intermittent issues with the attitude and course indicators to colleagues, no defects were recorded in the technical log, and the vacuum pump was functioning correctly.

The pilot was qualified for the mission and had completed specific training for the surveillance role. However, the investigation noted that the base operated without a chief pilot or flight supervisor, meaning pilots made independent decisions without oversight.

Findings

  • The pilot did not request a weather briefing from the Flight Service Station prior to departure.
  • Although conditions at the departure airport were suitable for visual flight rules (VFR), the intended flight path was subject to unfavorable weather, including low stratus, fog, and drizzle.
  • The pilot encountered adverse weather during the flight and attempted to maintain visual contact with the ground by descending to a very low altitude.
  • The aircraft struck trees at high speed while performing a steep right-hand turn.
  • The pilot continued VFR flight under adverse weather conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue flying under visual flight rules despite encountering deteriorating weather conditions led to the accident. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to obtain a pre-flight weather briefing and a likely lack of confidence in the aircraft's instruments, which prompted a dangerous descent to maintain visual ground contact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-06-17 Cessna 182RG C-GBXO accident near Bégin, Quebec 3.5 nm N, CA?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a mountain during a surveillance flight near Bégin, Quebec, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-06-17 involved a Cessna 182RG C-GBXO, operated by Transportair, at Bégin, Quebec 3.5 nm N, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue flying under visual flight rules despite encountering deteriorating weather conditions led to the accident. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to obtain a pre-flight weather briefing and a likely lack of confidence in the aircraft's instruments, which prompted a…

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