What happened
On the night of December 15, 1998, a 25-year-old pilot and his 19-year-old passenger departed Shearwater airport in a Cessna 172M for a time-building flight. The flight plan involved performing a touch-and-go landing at Liverpool airport before returning to Shearwater.
During the approach to runway 25, radar data indicated that the pilot performed a go-around rather than the intended touch-and-go. While the aircraft was at approximately 1100 feet above sea level, it disappeared from radar. Approximately 87 seconds later, the aircraft reappeared briefly before descending at a rate of 4000 feet per minute. The aircraft struck mature trees approximately two nautical miles west of the Liverpool airport. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in two fatalities.
An emergency locator transmitter signal was detected by other aircraft, prompting a large-scale search involving the Canadian Forces, the RCMP, and local rescue units. The wreckage was located the following morning.
The investigation
The investigation examined radar data, engine components, and environmental conditions. Analysis of the engine exhaust stacks and propeller damage confirmed the engine was producing power at the time of impact. The aircraft's GPS recorded a rapid descent just before the crash.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's training records, noting he had recently obtained his night endorsement and possessed limited instrument flight experience. Meteorological data showed clear skies but noted that the moon was 50 degrees below the horizon, creating dark sky conditions with limited visual ground references. Additionally, moderate mechanical turbulence was present in the area.
Findings
- The pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation during the overshoot from the approach.
- The pilot's lack of extensive instrument flight experience made him more susceptible to vestibular illusions.
- Environmental conditions, including darkness and a lack of visual horizon references, were conducive to the onset of illusions.
- The impact angle of the aircraft was consistent with a nose-down pitch attitude often associated with the false climb illusion.
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure or pilot incapacitation prior to the impact.