What happened
A Piper PA-34-200T, registration C-FCYV, was conducting a night instrument flight from Montréal/Dorval Airport to Québec/Jean-Lesage International Airport with four passengers. During the initial approach to runway 06 using the instrument landing system (ILS), the pilot was unable to land due to deteriorating weather. After an initial overshoot, the pilot attempted a second approach.
During the first missed approach, the pilot failed to follow the prescribed procedure, necessitating intervention from the Québec tower controller to redirect the aircraft. On the second approach, visibility had dropped significantly, with the runway visual range (RVR) falling to 1,100 feet. As the aircraft reached the minimum approach altitude, the pilot initiated another missed approach. However, instead of climbing, the aircraft's descent continued, and it struck the ground 3,342 feet from the runway threshold. The impact caused the landing gear, propellers, and tail assembly to separate from the fuselage. Of the five occupants, one person sustained slight injuries.
The investigation
The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was maintained and certified according to regulations, and no mechanical malfunctions were found. The pilot was qualified for the flight and held an instrument rating; however, the pilot had only completed one hour of instrument flight time in the preceding six months.
Investigators found that the pilot was operating on the final day of a regulatory deadline to maintain instrument proficiency. While the pilot had reviewed weather forecasts prior to departure, an updated forecast indicating much lower visibility due to fog was not in the pilot's possession at takeoff. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot was the sole crew member, which increased the workload during the complex missed approach maneuvers.
Findings
- The pilot lacked sufficient instrument flight experience and training.
- The pilot failed to modify the aircraft's attitude to initiate a climb during the missed approach.
- The pilot was the sole crew member, contributing to increased workload.
- The aircraft continued its descent and struck the ground because the pilot did not initiate a climb after the missed approach was called.
- Weather conditions had deteriorated significantly below previous forecasts.