Incident Overview
On an unnamed date, a pilot returned from Centralia, Ontario, to Toronto City Centre Airport in a Piper PA-23-250 (serial number 27-7854037). During the final approach, the pilot initiated two go-arounds to maintain safe separation from a DHC-7. While executing a 360-degree turn with landing gear and flaps extended, the left engine failed.
Technical Analysis
Investigation revealed that both fuel selectors were positioned for the inboard tanks, which were empty. The left engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion, causing the hydraulic pump to cease operation. Consequently, the pilot could not retract the gear or flaps. With airspeed below minimum control speed (Vmc), the aircraft stalled during the turn and impacted the water at approximately 1254 EST.
Rescue and Outcome
The pilot exited the submerging aircraft before it sank and was rescued by Toronto Police Marine Unit vessels. No pre-impact mechanical discrepancies were found. The survival of the pilot was attributed to the low impact speed and the use of shoulder and lap restraints.
Safety Actions
Following the event, the police marine unit updated its radio equipment and established a common grid system with air traffic control. Transport Canada also adjusted training standards to emphasize stall awareness in low-altitude scenarios.