What happened
A Cessna 402C operated by Terry Air was engaged in a chartered flight to transport passengers and equipment to Bear Valley in northern British Columbia. After an initial delay due to weather, the aircraft completed its first leg to Bear Valley without incident. Following the off-loading of passengers and cargo, the aircraft was reloaded with approximately 500 pounds of cargo and two additional passengers for the return trip to Mackenzie.
At 1302, the aircraft departed Bear Valley. At 1320, the pilot radioed dispatch, estimating an arrival in Mackenzie at 1340. During this exchange, the dispatcher noted that visibility at Mackenzie had decreased to two miles. The pilot's final transmission occurred at approximately 1330; the communication appeared routine and did not indicate distress. No further contact was established.
Following a search by the RCMP and Search and Rescue, wreckage was located near the west shore of Williston Lake. While the aircraft sustained severe impact damage, the bodies of the two passengers were eventually recovered from the water.
The investigation
The TSB examined the wreckage, which was found in approximately 100 feet of water. Analysis of the airframe showed severe impact damage, including a fragmented nose section and torn fuselage walls. Investigators found that the engines were likely operating at or above cruise power at the time of impact. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within certified limits, and maintenance records indicated the aircraft had been properly maintained.
The investigation also reviewed local meteorological conditions. At the time of the flight, a complex weather pattern was moving through the region, characterized by embedded clouds and heavy snow showers. While other pilots had reported significant visibility degradation in the area, the pilot of the Cessna 402C was likely unaware of these specific conditions due to being outside of radio coverage in the Peace Arm.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating under a certificate that permitted day VFR operations only; however, the pilot likely entered an area of reduced visibility due to localized weather disturbances.
- The pilot did not obtain a complete weather briefing for either leg of the flight.
- The pilot's instrument rating had lapsed, and he was not authorized to fly under instrument conditions.
- The accident was not survivable due to the extreme deceleration forces during the water impact.
Safety action
Following the accident, Terry Air entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Prince George Flight Service Station to receive scheduled weather information updates.