Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper Navajo PA-31, serial number 318012021, registered as C-GRPM and operated by Les transports Aéro 2000 Inc. It was on a charter visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Kangiqsujuaq, Quebec, to Kuujjuaq, Quebec, with three passengers and one pilot. The aircraft was certified and maintained in accordance with regulations; no deficiencies were reported. It was equipped with GPS but not with a radio altimeter or ground proximity warning system.
Accident Sequence
At 1056 eastern daylight saving time on 30 May 1996, the pilot contacted the Kuujjuaq flight service station, reporting take-off eight minutes earlier and a plan to overfly the Nouveau-Québec crater. This was the last communication. When the aircraft did not arrive, a search began. The following day, a ground search team located the aircraft. It had struck the eastern slope of the crater while in straight and level flight. The four occupants were fatally injured.
Weather Conditions
The pilot obtained current weather and forecast for Kuujjuaq, which were favorable for VFR flight. However, weather in the crater area was poor. A study indicated that visibility near the crater was severely reduced or near zero in drizzle and fog, with light to moderate icing possible. The terrain was snow-covered with broken to overcast clouds at 1,500 to 2,000 feet. Surface winds were from the south to southwest at 15 to 25 knots, with moderate mechanical turbulence and mountain wave turbulence observed on satellite.
Wreckage Examination
The aircraft struck the eastern slope at approximately 1,920 feet above sea level, on a heading of 277 degrees true, with a slight nose-up attitude. It bounced and continued for 247 feet, rolling left until the left wing hit the ground, then came to rest on its back 650 feet west of the initial impact at 2,100 feet above sea level. The flaps and landing gear were retracted. No evidence of airframe failure, engine malfunction, or fire was found. Both engines were running at impact. The GPS waypoint for the crater was misprogrammed, with coordinates 2.5 nm west of the actual location.
Pilot Information
The pilot held an airline transport pilot licence and a valid licence validation certificate requiring prescription lenses. He was familiar with the area. His most recent medical examination in February 1996 did not reveal coronary arteriosclerosis; an autopsy found 60% to 70% stenosis of coronary arteries, but his death was attributed to multiple trauma. There was no evidence of incapacitation. Toxicological tests were negative.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was that the pilot continued flight in adverse weather in which he risked losing the visual references necessary for avoiding obstructions.