What happened
During a local pleasure flight departing from runway 14 at the Ponsonby aerodrome in Ontario, a Piper J4A entered a steep right bank and pitched nose-down during its initial climb. Witnesses observed the aircraft descending rapidly before it struck the soft ground in a near-vertical attitude. The impact was followed by a post-crash fire. While rescuers attempted to assist, the fire prevented the immediate rescue of both occupants; the passenger was extricated but later died at Hamilton General Hospital, while the pilot was killed at the scene.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's medical status, and the environmental conditions. The Piper J4A had a total airframe time of 1743 hours. Mechanical inspections confirmed that the flight controls were fully functional and the Continental A-65-8F engine was producing substantial power at the moment of impact. Weather conditions at the nearby Kitchener/Waterloo Regional Airport were favorable, with good visibility and light winds.
Investigators calculated that the aircraft was operating near its maximum allowable weight of 1301 pounds. While the pilot was properly certified, toxicology reports revealed the presence of Lithium in his blood, a medication used for bipolar disorder that was not disclosed in his Transport Canada medical records. However, investigators found no evidence that this medication or any physiological factor caused pilot incapacitation.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a stall at a low altitude for reasons that could not be determined.
- The low altitude of the stall left the pilot with insufficient time to recover the aircraft before ground impact.
- The high gross weight of the aircraft reduced its climb performance, as noted by witnesses who observed the plane flying lower and slower than usual.
- The pilot had been prescribed Lithium, which had not been reported to aviation authorities.