What happened
At 0030 PST, a Cessna 208B operated by Regency Express Air Operations, registration N9352B, crashed into trees on Saltspring Island, British Columbia. The aircraft was performing a night cargo flight from Vancouver International Airport to Victoria International Airport under visual flight rules (VFR).
After departing Vancouver at 0012 PST, the crew maintained an altitude of 2000 feet above ground level. During the flight, the aircraft's path drifted toward high ground on the southwest end of Saltspring Island, approximately five nautical miles north of Victoria International Airport. Upon impact with the trees, the aircraft broke apart and a post-crash fire erupted. The two fatalities involved were the two pilots on board, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators determined that a mechanical failure was unlikely to have caused the accident, as radar data and physical evidence at the site showed consistent speed, heading, and altitude prior to impact. The investigation focused on several critical factors, including deteriorating weather conditions, a navigation error, and the lack of specific safety equipment.
While the weather at both departure and arrival airports initially met VFR requirements, an updated forecast issued after the crew's preflight planning indicated a lowering ceiling. The crew did not contact flight service or air traffic control for weather updates. Consequently, the aircraft encountered an unexpected cloud layer at 1400 feet agl, which obscured ground lighting references necessary for night navigation.
Furthermore, the investigation examined the aircraft's lack of a GPS for positive tracking and the absence of a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). The investigation also scrutinized the operator's manual and the published VFR arrival procedures, noting discrepancies regarding required obstacle clearance altitudes.
Findings
- The crew did not request updated weather information via radio, leaving them unaware of the lowering cloud ceiling.
- The unexpected undercast layer obscured ground lighting, making it difficult for the crew to identify their position.
- A low-level crosswind likely contributed to the aircraft drifting away from its intended track.
- The crew was unable to maintain separation from the terrain due to the loss of visual ground references.
- The company's operations manual suggested an en route altitude of 1500 feet, which did not meet the necessary obstacle clearance requirements.
- The published VFR arrival and departure routes for Victoria were inconsistent with the required obstacle clearance standards for commercial operators.