What happened
A scheduled flight operated by Sowind Air Ltd. departed St. Andrews, Manitoba, carrying a crew of two and 15 passengers. The destination was Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba. Upon arrival, the crew attempted an instrument approach but executed a missed approach because they could not establish visual contact with the airport due to low ceilings and fog.
During a second approach attempt, the aircraft was observed by ground witnesses and passengers flying at an extremely low altitude over a lake, significantly east of the standard approach path. Witnesses noted that the aircraft's engine power increased, followed by a series of rapid, steep banking maneuvers. The Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante eventually descended into trees approximately 400 feet south and 1,600 feet east of the runway 36 approach path. The accident resulted in 4 fatalities and 13 serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions, aircraft weight, and crew history. Investigators found that the aircraft was operating in marginal weather with visibility between one and two miles and a cloud ceiling as low as 100 feet. The crew relied on an unapproved GPS as a primary navigational aid and flew below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and the minimum enroute altitude for commuter operations.
Technical analysis revealed that the aircraft was approximately 1,000 pounds over its maximum allowable weight at both takeoff and landing. Furthermore, the company's weight and balance report contained significant errors, including incorrect empty weight calculations and unrecorded equipment changes. The investigation also noted that the aircraft lacked a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and a Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
Findings
- The aircraft was flown at a very low altitude in marginal weather, below the required MDA and minimum enroute altitude.
- The crew performed maneuvers at low level that led to the aircraft flying into terrain.
- The aircraft was significantly overweight during the flight.
- The pilot may have experienced a somatogravic illusion—a false sensation of climbing—following an increase in engine power while maneuvering in low visibility.
- There were significant deficiencies in the operator's weight and balance documentation and inadequate regulatory oversight by Transport Canada regarding the company's transition to commuter operations.